THE BLESSED HOPE
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
SENIOR DIVISION, No. 259,, FIRST QUARTER, 1960
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T f RIX
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
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page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the -study
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vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will be
your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the Scrip-
tures."—Testimonies,vol.
5, p. 266
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As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
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LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
The Plan of Redemption
2.
Old Testament Glimpses of the
Coming Redeemer
3.
Christ's Witness to the Certainty
of His return
4.
The Return of Jesus and the Judg-
ment in the Parables
5.
The Apostles' Conviction Regard-
ing the Return of Jesus
6.
Signs on Earth
7.
Signs in the Heavens
8.
Other Last-Day Signs
9.
Signs in the Spiritual World
1o. The Manner of His Coming
Preparation for Christ's Coming
12.
The Object of His Coming
13.
The Finished Plan
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Copyright, 1959, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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COVER, CLYDE PROYONSHA, ARTIST
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE BLESSED HOPE
Lesson 1, for January 2, 1960
The Plan of Redemption
MEMORY VERSE: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and be-
tween thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise
his heel." Gen. 3:15.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 52-62; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald"
of December 17, 1959.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Plan Revealed
1.
Laid "from the foundation of the
world." 1 Peter 1:20.
2.
Put into effect because of man's
transgression. Gen. 3 :9, 10.
3.
To be executed by the Redeemer.
Gen. 3:15.
II. The Plan's Ultimate Triumph Foretold
4.
Complete restoration prophesied.
Micah 4:8; Acts 3:20, 21.
5.
Fulfillment based on the declaration
of God Himself. Rev. 21:5.
6. Inheritance promised to the right-
eous. Eph. 3:6.
III. The Plan Vindicates the Character
of God
7.
Abraham assured of God's justice.
Gen. 18:25.
8.
God's character will be vindicated.
Rev. 15:2, 3 ; 19:1, 2, first part.
9. God's justice will be acknowledged
by all creatures. Rom. 14:11.
IV. The Plan Consummated
10. The return of Jesus. Titus 2:13.
11. Joy of the saved. Isa. 25:9.
12. New heavens and a new earth.
Rev. 21:1-4; 22:3.
THE LESSON
emergency that was unlooked for. The entry
of sin into the earth made necessary, accord-
ing to God's plan, the coming and sacrificial
death of Christ in order to vindicate God's
character and His law. Sin did not bring
failure to God's plan, merely an interruption.
31
Introduction
Since God gave the angels freedom of will
and choice as later He gave to man, He
foresaw the possibility of sin. Therefore the
entry of sin into the universe was not an
His plan will finally triumph, and sin will be
eternally eradicated from the earth and the
universe.
The Plan Revealed
1.
When was God's plan of redemp-
tion first laid? 1 Peter 1:20.
NOTE.—"How kind was God ! Divine
justice required that sin should meet its pen-.'
alty, but divine mercy had already' found a
way to redeem the fallen human race—by
the voluntary sacrifice of the Son of God
(1 Peter 1:20; Eph. 3:11; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rev.
13:8)."—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Gen. 3 :15.
"Inasmuch as the decision that Christ
would die for the guilty race was reached
before this world was created, and confirmed
at the time man fell (see PP 63, 64), He may
in that sense be regarded as though slain
from the foundation of the world."
—Ibid.,
on Rev. 13:8.
2.
What act of Adam and Eve after
they had sinned indicated a change in
relationship between God and man?
Gen. 3:9, 10.
Here we witness for the first time the confu-
sion between sin and punishment, which is
characteristic of man in his fallen state. The
results of sin are sensed and detested more
than the sin itself."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 3:9.
3.
What promise to fallen man was
implied in God's curse upon the ser-
pent? Gen. 3:15.
NorE.—"Here the Lord turns from ad-
dressing the literal serpent who spoke to Eve,
to pronounce judgment on the old serpent
the devil. This judgment, expressed in pro-
phetic language, has ever been understood by
the Christian church as a prediction of the
coming of the Deliverer. . . .
"This pronouncement must have brought
great comfort to the two dismayed offenders
standing before God, from whose precepts
they had departed. Adam, viceroy of God on
earth so long as he remained loyal, had, by
transferring his loyalty from God to the ser-
pent, ceded his authority to Satan.. .. Never-
theless, before hearing his own sentence pro-
nounced, the healing balm of hope was
applied to his shattered soul."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Gen.
3:15.
Nort.—"Adam, in his innocence, had en-
joyed open communion with his Maker; but
sin brought separation between God and
man, and the atonement of Christ alone
could span the abyss and make possible the
communication of blessing or salvation from
heaven to earth. Man was still cut off from
direct approach to his Creator, but God
would communicate with him through
Christ and
angels."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 67.
"Adam, who had always welcomed the di-
vine approach, was now in hiding. He could
not, however, be hidden from God, who
called to Adam, not as if ignorant of his hid-
ing place but to bring him to confession.
Adam sought to hide the sin behind its con-
sequences, his disobedience behind his sense
of shame, by proposing to God that he had
hidden himself through embarrassment at
his nakedness. His consciousness of the ef-
fects of sin was keener, than of the sin itself.
The Plan's Ultimate Triumph
Foretold
4. What promise made to Judah of
old will meet its ultimate fulfillment
in connection with the second coming
of Christ? Micah 4:8; Acts 3:20, 21.
Nora.—"All that was lost by the first
Adam will be restored by the second. The
prophet says, '0 Tower of the flock, the
stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto
Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.'
And Paul points forward to the 'redemption
of the purchased possession.'
"God created the earth to be the abode of
holy, happy beings. That purpose will be
fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God
and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall be-
come the eternal home of the redeemed."-
-.
The Adventist Home,
page 540.
4
Not metals or ribbons, but the marks of Christ's
crucilxion, are the eternal memorial of the plan
of redemption.
5.
What does God declare concern-
ing the ultimate success of His plan?
Rev. 21:5.
6.
What promise did God give that
indicates the triumph of the grand
plan? Eph. 3:6.
The Plan Vindicates the
Character of God
7.
Of what was Abraham assured in
God's dealings with sinful men?
Gen. 18:25.
upon the intelligences of other worlds, as well
as upon man—the Saviour looked forward
when just before His crucifixion He said:
`Now is the judgment of this world; now
shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will
draw all men unto Me.' John 12:31, 32. The
act of Christ in dying for the salvation of
man would not only make heaven accessible
to men, but before all the universe it would
justify God and His Son in their dealing with
the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the
perpetuity of the law of God and would re-
veal the nature and the results of sin."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 68, 69.
9.
How complete will be the vindi-
cation of God's character? Rom. 14:11.
Compare Phil. 2:10; Isa. 45:23.
Nora.—"Satan sees that his voluntary re-
bellion has unfitted him for heaven. He has
trained his powers to war against God; the
purity, peace, and harmony of heaven would
be to him supreme torture. His accusations
against the mercy and justice of God are now
silenced. The reproach which he has en-
deavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly
upon himself. And now Satan bows down
and confesses the justice of his sentence."—
The Great Controversy,
page 670.
The Plan Consummated
10.
What is the "blessed hope" of
the Christian? Titus 2:13.
8. What great principle of God's
kingdom will also be vindicated? Rev.
15:2, 3; 19:1, 2, first part.
NoTE.—"But the plan of redemption had
a yet broader and deeper purpose than the
salvation of man. It was not for this alone
that Christ came to the earth; it was not
merely that the inhabitants of this little
world might regard the law of God as it
should be regarded; but it was to vindicate
the character of God before the universe. To
this result of His great sacrifice—its influence
NOTE.—"The hope of Christ's return has
been the grand incentive of the Christian
faith for nearly 2,000 years, buoying the be-
liever's spirit and steeling his courage amid
all the vicissitudes of life. The dark moments
of discouragement, disillusionment, or sor-
row in this life's experience are gloriously
compensated for by the Christian's hope in
the second advent."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Titus 2:13.
11. How will Christ be received by
those who have been waiting for His
coming? Isa. 25:9.
12. When the plan of redemption
has at length been consummated, what
condition will prevail throughout
the entire universe? Rev. 21:1-4; 22:3.
NoTE.-"One reminder alone remains:
Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of
His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head,
upon His side, His hands and feet, are the
only traces of the cruel work that sin has
wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ
in His glory: 'He had bright beams coming
out of. His side: and there was the hiding of
His power.' Hab. 3:4, margin. That pierced
side whence flowed the crimson stream that
reconciled man to God-there is the Sav-
iour's glory, there 'the hiding of His power.'
`Mighty to save,' through the sacrifice of re-
demption, He was therefore strong to execute
justice upon them that despised God's mercy.
And the tokens of His humiliation are His
highest honor; through the eternal ages the
wounds of Calvary will show forth His
praise and declare His power."-The
Great
Controversy,
page 674.
Lesson 2, for January 9, 1960
Old Testament Glimpses of the Coming Redeemer
MEMORY VERSE:
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at
the latter day upon the earth." Job 19:25.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald"
of December 24, 1959.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 9-13.
0
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read from
Study Helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
1. Early Promises of Redemption
1.
The coming Deliverer. Gen. 3:15.
2.
The prophecy of Enoch. Jude 14.
3.
The revelation
to
Abraham. Gen.
12:3; 22:8-18.
4.
The affirmation of Job.
Job
19:25, 27, first part.
H. The Psalms and the Major Prophets
5.
The psalmist's picture. Ps. 50:3-5.
6.
The Redeemer in Isaiah's prophecies.
Isa. 59:20.
7.
The coming King in Jeremiah.
Jer. 23:5, 6.
8.
The coming kingdom in Daniel. Dan.
2:34, 35,44, 45; 7:26, 27; 12:1-4.
111. The Testimony of the Minor Prophets
9.
The warning 'of Joel. Joel 2:1.
10.
The coming Ruler in Micah.
Micah 5:2.
11.
The admonitions of Zephaniah.
Zeph. 1:14-18; 2:1-3.
12.
The return of the Lord in Haggai.
Haggai 2:6, 7; Heb. 12:26, 27.
13.
The close of history in Malachi.
Mal. 4:1-3.
el
THE LESSON
Introduction
In this lesson we look down the vista of
the Old Testament and see how patriarch
and psalmist, major and minor prophet, have
written of the triumph of good and the com-
ing of the Messiah. Here we have the evi-
dence that God has left no generation with-
out His assurance of the possibility of every
man's sharing in the restoration of all things.
But this sharing is to come, we are told, only
to those who are obedient to His precepts and
who keep their faith in the ultimate triumph
of God.
Early Promises of Redemption
1.
What prophecy of conflict and
defeat did the Lord speak to the ser-
pent immediately after man's sin?
Gen. 3:15.
NOTE.—"The words . . . addressed to the
serpent applied directly to Satan himself,
pointing forward to his ultimate defeat and
destruction."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page
58.
"The Lord Jesus Christ is styled by pre-
eminence 'the seed' (Rev. 12:1-5 ; cf. Gal.
3:16, 19) ; it was He who came 'to destroy
the works of the devil' (Heb. 2:14; 1 John
3:8)."—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Gen. 3:15.
2.
What brief but graphic proph-
ecy of the return of Jesus was spoken
by Enoch? Jude 14.
NOTE.—Whether Jude quoted from a
then-existing noncanonical book known as
1 Enoch (see
The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary
on this verse) or not, is
unimportant. He was led to write these
words under inspiration. There veracity is
vouched for by this comment on Enoch:
"By the spirit of prophecy He carried him
down through the generations that should
live after the Flood, and showed him the
great events connected with the second com-
ing of Christ and the end of the world. . . .
"In the land where Cain had sought to flee
from the divine Presence, the prophet of God
made known the wonderful scenes that had
passed before his vision. 'Behold,' he de-
clared, 'the Lord cometh with ten thousands
of His saints, to execute judgment upon all,
and to convince all that are ungodly among
them of all their ungodly deeds.' Jude 14, 15."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 85, 86.
3.
In what two ways did God re-
veal to Abraham the coming of a great
Redeemer? Gen. 12:3; 22:8-18.
NOTE.—God promised a numerous prog-
eny, and revealed through the typical lamb
a coming Redeemer.
"Through type and promise God 'preached
before the gospel unto Abraham.' Gal. 3:8.
And the patriarch's faith was fixed upon the
Redeemer to come. Said Christ to the Jews,
`Your father Abraham rejoiced that he
should see My day; and he saw it, and was
glad.' John 8:56, R.V., margin. The ram of-
fered in the place of Isaac represented the
Son of God, who was to be sacrificed in our
stead."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 154.
4.
What great affirmation of faith
in his resurrection to meet God, was
made by Job? Job 19:25, 27, first part.
NoTE.—"The latter day.
The meaning is
that however long Job was to suffer, how-
ever protracted his calamities were, he had
the utmost confidence that God would even-
tually vindicate him. The wording of vs. 25
and 26 indicates that the divine vindication
would take place when God would 'stand
. . . upon the earth' and when Job would
'see God.' This is an unmistakable glimpse
of the resurrection."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Job 19:25.
The Psalms and the Major
Prophets
5.
What vivid picture of the judg-
ment of the world is given by the
psalmist? Ps. 50:3-5.
The ancient prophets looked for the glorious day
when the Sun of Righteousness, the Messiah, would .
lighten the earth.
NOTE.—"The King of kings descends
upon the cloud, wrapped in flaming fire.
The heavens are rolled together as a scroll,
the earth trembles before Him, and every
mountain and island is moved out of its
place."—The Great Controversy,
pages 641,
642.
6.
What did Isaiah write about the
return of the Redeemer? Isa. 59:20.
NOTE.—"The
Redeemer shall come.
This
prophecy will be fulfilled at the second com-
ing of Christ. The Lord will then return to
save His people—those who have turned
from their transgressions and have accepted
Him as their Saviour."—The
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 59:20.
Isaiah has many references to the Messiah.
Isaiah 42:1-4 (see next paragraph) is
a
reference to the work of Christ on earth, and
was so used in Matthew 12:18-21.
"It was further prophesied of the Messiah:
'He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He
have set judgment in the earth: and the isles
shall wait for His law.' The Son of God was
to 'magnify the law, and make it honor-
able.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
page 693.
7.
What names does Jeremiah apply
to Jesus in speaking of His coming to
redeem His people? Jer. 23:5, 6.
Nair.—"A
King shall reign.
Or, 'He shall
reign as King,' referring to the 'Bianch,'
Christ, who will rule with 'judgment and
justice' the kingdom of the redeemed (see
Isa. 9:6,7; Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 11:15) ."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary,
on Jer. 23:5.
The expressions "the Branch of David"
and "the Lord our Righteousness" are used
of Christ at His triumphal entry into Jeru-
salem. See
The Desire of Ages,
page 578.
8.
What are some of the prophecies
of Daniel foretelling the return of
Jesus? Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45; 7:26, 27;
12:1-4.
The Testimony of the Minor
Prophets
9.
In what impressive language does
Joel voice his warning of the coming
day of the Lord? Joel 2:1.
NOTE.—Many of the prophetic warnings
of imminent temporal calamities had a wider
application to the infinitely greater calamity
of the final day of reckoning. Joel has many
such warnings.
"In view of that great day the word of
God, in the most solemn and impressive lan-
guage, calls upon His people to arouse from
their spiritual lethargy and to seek His face
with repentance and humiliation. . . .
"To prepare a people to stand in the day
of God, a great work of reform was to be
accomplished. God saw that many of His
professed people were not building for eter-
nity, and in His mercy He was about to send
a message of warning to arouse them from
their stupor and lead them to make ready
for the coming of the Lord."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 311.
10.
How does Micah prophesy of
the birth of the coming great Ruler?
Micah 5:2.
NorE.—"For us the great interest of the
prophet Micah centers round its clear proph-
ecies of the Saviour who was to come. It
[81
was from this book that 'all the chief priests
and scribes of the people,' gathered together
by Herod, proclaimed unhesitatingly that it
was at Bethlehem of Judah that the Christ,
the King, should be born. This prophecy
proclaims His eternity. He who was to go
forth from Bethlehem as the Ruler, was He
whose goings forth were 'from the days of
eternity.' Micah 5:3 is closely connected with
Isaiah 7:14."—Hodgkin,
Christ in All the
Scriptures,
page 211. See also
Prophets and
Kings,
page 697.
11. What admonitions of Zepha-
niah are mingled with warnings of
judgment upon an impenitent world?
Zeph. 1:14-18; 2:1-3.
Paul,
in
Hebrews 12:26, 27, applies it defi-
nitely to the second advent. It has been ap-
plied to the events of Revelation 16:17, 18.
"In that great coming day, the heaven it-
self shall depart 'as a scroll when it is rolled
together.' Rev. 6:14. And every mountain
and island shall be moved out of its place.
`The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunk-
ard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and
the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon
_..it;
and it shall fall, and not rise again.' Isa.
24:20."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 340.
13. How will the two great classes
of humanity be dealt with at the close
of this earth's history? Mal. 4:1-3.
NoTE.—"During the reign of Josiah the
word of the Lord came to Zephaniah, speci-
fying plainly the results of continued apos-
tasy, and calling the attention of the true
church to the glorious prospect beyond. His
prophecies of impending judgment upon
Judah apply with equal force to the judg-
ments that are to fall upon an impenitent
world at the time of the second advent of
Christ."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 389,
390.
12. What does Haggai say of the
fate of the nations at the time of the
return of our Lord? Haggai 2:6, 7.
Compare Heb. 12:26, 27.
NoTE.—This prophecy originally applied
to the temple as restored after the Babylo=
nian exile, and to the first advent of Christ.
NOTE
.—"Burn
them up. . . .
The wicked
do not keep on burning endlessly; the fires of
the last day will literally 'burn them up.' .. .
"Neither root nor branch.
A striking figure
indicating the utter annihilation of sin and
sinners. . . . Satan, represented as the 'root,'
or originator, of evil, and his followers, re-
presented as the branches, are all completely
destroyed (see Ps. 37:30).
"The Sun of Righteousness.
An expres-
sive figure of Christ as the 'Light of
the world' (John 8:12; see John 1:4) and
the Source of our righteousness (see Jer.
23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9).
Christ is ever ready to bring spiritual light to
His people in times of need. In this sense it
may be said that the 'Sun of Righteousness'
arose at the first advent of Christ (see DA
261), and will 'arise' in a special way in the
time of great moral darkness just preceding
His second advent (see PK 716,
717)."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Mal. 4:2.
Lesson 3, for January 16, 1960
Christ's Witness to the Certainty of His Return
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an
- hour when ye think not." Luke 12:40.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 662-664, and chapter 69; "The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Re-
view and Herald" of December 31, 1959.
[ 9 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
general survey.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Introduction
As surely as Jesus is the Son of God,
born of a virgin, so surely He is going to
return in glory and majesty to this earth.
In this lesson our attention is turned to some
of the plain, emphatic, and unequivocal
promises that Jesus Himself gave to His dis-
ciples and others during His life on earth.
If we disbelieve in the return of Jesus, it is
impossible to believe in Him, for His promise
was, "I
will come again."
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Great Event
1.
Jesus' own assurance. John 14:1-3.
2.
The promise of the angels. Acts
1:9-11.
II. A Great Prophecy
3.
A triumphant return. Matt. 23:39.
4.
Harbingers of the end. Matt. 24:3;
Mark 13:1-4.
5.
The uncertainty of the hour. Matt.
24:44.
6.
The certainty of the event. Matt.
26:64.
III. A Great Responsibility
7.
Being ashamed of Jesus. Luke 9:26.
8.
Watching for the Lord. Luke
12:35-40.
9.
Leaving the world behind. Luke
17:26-30.
10.
Expecting reward or penalty.
Matt. 16:27.
IV. A Great Home-Coming
11.
All shall hear His voice. John
5:28, 29.
12.
Christ comes for His own. 1 Thess.
4:16, 17.
THE LESSON
NoTE.-"The promise of Christ's second
coming was ever to be kept fresh in the
minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom
they had seen ascending into heaven, would
come again, to take to Himself those who
here below give themselves to His service.
The same voice that had said to them, `Lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end,'
would bid them welcome to His presence in
the heavenly kingdom."-The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 33.
A Great Event
1.
What clear, definite promise did
Jesus make to the disciples and to all
of His followers? John 14:1-3.
2.
Who later repeated the promise
of our Saviour to the disciples, and
under what circumstances? Acts 1:9-11.
A Great Prophecy
3.
As He wept over Jerusalem, how
did Jesus refer to His triumphant re-
turn to this earth? Matt. 23:39.
NoTE.-"The triumphal ride of Christ
into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing
-of His coming in the clouds of heaven with
power and glory, amid the triumph of angels
[ 10 ]
I
to retort d •ly
•f a
and death, crime and immorality, pleasure-loving
above godliness--all point toward the second advent.
and the rejoicing of the saints. Then will be
fulfilled the words of Christ to the priests
and Pharisees: 'Ye shall not see Me hence-
forth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that
cometh in the name of the Lord.' Matt.
23:39. In prophetic vision Zechariah was
shown that day of final triumph; and he be-
held also the doom of those who at the first
advent had rejected Christ: 'They shall look
upon Me whom they have pierced, and they
shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for
his only son, and shall be in bitterness for
Him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-
born.' Zech. 12:10. This scene Christ fore-
saw when He beheld the city and wept over
it. In the temporal ruin of Jerusalem He saw
the final destruction of that people who were
guilty of the blood of the Son of God."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 580.
4. What question did the disciples
ask Jesus? Matt. 24:3; Mark 13:1-4.
NOTE.—"With the overthrow of Jerusalem
the disciples associated the events of Christ's
personal coming in temporal glory to take
the throne of universal empire, to punish the
impenitent Jews, and to break from off the
nation the Roman yoke. The Lord had told
them that He would come the second time.
Hence at the mention of judgments upon Je-
rusalem, their minds reverted to that com-
ing; and as they were gathered about the
Saviour upon the Mount of Olives, they
asked: 'When shall these things be? and
what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and
of the end of the world?' Matt. 24:3.
"The future was mercifully veiled from
the disciples. Had they at that time fully
comprehended the two awful facts—the Re-
deemer's sufferings and death, and the de-
struction of their city and temple—they
would have been overwhelmed with horror.
Christ presented before them an outline of
the prominent events to take place before the
close of time. His words were not then fully
understood; but their meaning was to be un-
folded as His people should need the instruc-
tion therein given. The prophecy which He
uttered was twofold in its meaning; while
foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem,
it prefigured also the terrors of the last great
day."—The Great Controversy,
page 25.
5.
What did Jesus say concerning
the exact time of His coming? Matt.
24:44.
6.
When standing trial for His life,
what positive statement did Jesus make
about His return in glory? Matt.
26:64.
A Great Responsibility
7.
While He was stating the prin-
ciples of His kingdom, what reference
did Jesus make to His triumphant re-
turn? Luke 9:26.
8.
What did Jesus say should be the
constant attitude of all His followers
toward His return? Luke 12:35-40.
9.
When questioned about the time
of the coming of the kingdom, how
did Jesus refer to His personal return?
Luke 17:26-30.
NorE.—"When great and wise men had
proved to their satisfaction that it was im-
possible for the world to be destroyed by
water, when the fears of the people were
quieted, when all regarded Noah's prophecy
as a delusion, and looked upon him as a fa-
natic—then it was that God's time had come.
`The fountains of the great deep' were
`broken up, and the windows of heaven were
opened,' and the scoffers were overwhelmed
in the waters of the Flood. With all their
boasted philosophy, men found too late that
their wisdom was foolishness, that the Law-
giver is greater than the laws of nature, and
that Omnipotence is at no loss for means to
accomplish His purposes. 'As it was in the
days of Noah,' even thus shall it be in the
day when the Son of man is revealed.' Luke
17:26, 30. 'The day of the Lord will come as
a thief in the night; in the which the heavens
shall pass way with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the
earth also, and the works that are therein
shall be burned up.' 2 Peter 3:10. When the
reasoning of philosophy has banished the
fear of God's judgments; when religious
teachers are pointing forward to long ages of
peace and prosperity, and the world are ab-
sorbed in their rounds of business and pleas-
ure, planting and building, feasting and
merrymaking, rejecting God's warnings and
mocking His messengers—then it is that sud-
den destruction cometh upon them, and they
shall not
escape."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 103, 104.
In these days of ever-increasing knowl-
edge, let us beware lest we put our faith in
the works of man instead of the word of
God.
10.
In connection with what im-
pending event will the awards of good
or evil be rendered? Matt. 16:27.
A Great Home-Coming
11.
How did Jesus speak of this
same event in relation to the resurrec-
tion? John 5:28, 29.
NorE.—"Those who in the judgment are
`accounted worthy' will have a part in the
resurrection of the just. Jesus said: 'They
which shall be accounted worthy to obtain
that world, and the resurrection from the
dead, . . . are equal unto the angels; and
are the children of God, being the children of
the resurrection.' Luke 20:35, 36. And again
He declares that 'they that have done good'
shall come forth 'unto the resurrection of
life.' John 5:29. The righteous dead will not
be raised until after the judgment at which
they are accounted worthy of 'the resurrec-
tion of life.' Hence they will not be present in
person at the tribunal when their records are
examined and their cases decided."—The
Great Controversy,
page 482.
12.
How does Paul list the sequence
of events at the time of the resurrec-
tion? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
NorE.—"The apostle Paul, speaking by
the Spirit of Inspiration, testified: 'The Lord
Himself
shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and
with the trump of God.' 1 Thess. 4:16. Says
the prophet of Patmos: 'Behold, He cometh
with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.'
Rev. 1:7.
"About His coming cluster the glories of
that 'restitution of all things, which God
hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy
prophets since the world began.' Acts 3:21.
Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be
broken ; 'the kingdoms of this world' will be-
come 'the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His
Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.'
Rev. 11:15. 'The glory of the Lord shall be
revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.'
'The Lord God will cause righteousness and
praise to spring forth before all the nations'
He shall be 'for a crown of glory, and for a
diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His
people.' Isa. 40:5 ; 61:11;
28:5."—The Great
Controversy,
page 301.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are
published each quarter in Braille, and they are •supplied free
to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevo-
lent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[ 12 ]
Lesson 4, for January 23, 1960
The Return of Jesus and the Judgment in the Parables
MEMORY VERSE: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto
you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren,
ye have done it unto Me." Matt. 25:40.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 70-75, 405-421 (1923 ed., pp.
69-73, 415-431); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson
scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of January 7.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from
Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 6-8; read from
Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 9, 10; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Questions 11, 12; finish
reading from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Tares and the Net
1.
The harvest, the end of the world.
Matt. 13:38-42.
2.
Christ, the Judge. Matt. 13:28-30.
3.
End of the world, the time of judg-
ment. Matt. 13:47-49.
II. The Parable of the Talents
4.
Accounting for the talents.
Matt. 25:14-19.
5.
Reward of the faithful stewards.
Matt. 25:21.
III. The Parable of the Ten Virgins
6.
Will be fulfilled at second coming.
Matt. 25:1-13.
7.
Privilege of those who are ready.
Matt. 25:4, 10.
8.
We know not the hour. Matt. 25:13.
IV. The Fig Tree and the Traveling
Householder
9.
It is near. Matt. 24:32-35.
10.
"I say unto all, Watch." Mark
13:34-37.
V. The Sheep and Goats
11.
He will come in His glory. Matt.
25:31.
12.
The basis of decisions. Matt.
25:42-46.
THE LESSON
coming and you would rob all of the parables
referred to in this lesson of their point.
The Tares and the Net
1.
What
allusion to the second com-
ing do we find in the parable of the
tares? Matt. 13:38-42.
[13
l
Introduction
The triumphant return of Jesus is such
an integral part of the gospel that we find it,
and the events connected with it, woven into
many of the parables Jesus told. In a num-
ber of them the return of Jesus is the climac-
tic event which furnishes the point of the
narrative. Remove the doctrine of the second
Judging character and human motives must be
left to a just and merciful God.
2.
According to this parable, what
work will Christ perform at the time
of the judgment? Matt. 13:28-30.
NoTE.—"Christ has plainly taught that
those who persist in open sin must be sepa-
rated from the church, but He has not com-
mitted to us the work of judging character
and motive. He knows our nature too well
to entrust this work to us. Should we try to
uproot from the church those whom we sup-
pose to be spurious Christians, we should be
sure to make mistakes. Often we regard as
hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ
is drawing to Himself. Were we to deal with
these souls according to our imperfect judg-
ment, it would perhaps extinguish their last
hope. Many who think themselves Chris-
tians will at last be found wanting. Many
will be in heaven who their neighbors sup-
posed would never enter there. Man judges
from appearance, but God judges the heart.
The tares and the wheat are to grow to-
gether until the harvest; and the harvest is
the end of probationary
time."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 71, 72.
3.
In the parable of the net and
fishes, what great truth is set forth?
Matt. 13:47-49.
The Parable of the Talents
4.
How did Jesus emphasize the
truth of the coming time of judgment
and our accountability to Him when
He comes? Matt. 25:14-19.
NoTE.—"Christ on the Mount of Olives
had spoken to His disciples of His second
advent to the world. He had specified certain
signs that were to show when His coming
was near, and had bidden His disciples watch
and be ready. Again He repeated the warn-
ing, 'Watch therefore; for ye know neither
the day nor the hour wherein the Son of
man cometh.' Then He showed what it means
to watch for His coming. The time is to be
spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent
working. This lesson He taught in the par-
able of the talents."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 325.
"The talents, however few, are to be put
to use. The question that most concerns us
is not, How much have I received ? but,
What am I doing with that which I have?
The development of all our powers is the
first duty we owe to God and to our fellow
men. No one who is not growing daily in
capability and usefulness is fulfilling the pur-
pose of life. In making a profession of faith
in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all
that it is possible for us to be as workers for
the Master, and we should cultivate every
faculty to the highest degree of perfection,
that we may do the greatest amount of good
of which we are capable."—Ibid., pp. 329,
330.
5.
What reward will the faithful
steward receive? Matt. 25:21.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
6.
When and how will the parable
of the ten virgins be fulfilled? Matt.
25:1-13.
7.
What will be the privilege
of
those who are ready when Jesus
comes? Matt. 25:4, 10.
[ 14 ]
8.
How did Jesus use this parable
to emphasize our need for continual
preparedness? Matt. 25:13.
NoTE.—"The two classes of watchers
represent the two classes who profess to be
waiting for their Lord. They are called vir-
gins because they profess a pure faith. By
the lamps is represented the word of God.
The psalmist says, 'Thy word is a lamp unto
my feet, and a light unto my path.' Ps.
119:105. The oil is a symbol of the Holy
Spirit. Thus the Spirit is represented in the
prophecy of Zechariah; 'The angel that
talked with me came again,' he says, 'and
waked me, as a man that is wakened out of
his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou?
And I said, I have looked, and behold a
candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the
top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and
seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are
upon the top thereof ; and two olive trees
by it, one upon the right side of the bowl,
and the other upon the left side thereof. So
I answered and spake to the angel that talked
with me, saying, What are these, my lord?
. . . Then he answered and spake unto me,
saying, This is the word of the Lord unto
Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by
power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of
hosts. . . . And I answered again, and said
unto him, What be these two olive branches
which through the two golden pipes empty
the golden oil out of themselves? . . . Then
said he, These are the two anointed ones, that
stand by the Lord of the whole earth.' Zech.
4:
1-14."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 406-
408.
The Fig Tree and the Traveling
Householder
9.
What great lesson is taught by
the parable of the fig tree? Matt. 24:
32-35.
NozE.—"One saying of the Saviour must
not be made to destroy another. Though no
man knoweth the
day
nor the
hour
of His
coming, we are instructed and required to
know when it is near. We are further
taught that to disregard His warning, and
refuse or neglect to know when His advent
is near, will be as fatal for us as it was for
those who lived in the days of Noah not to
know when the Flood was coming."—The
Great Controversy,
page 371.
10.
How, in a very brief parable,
did Jesus emphasize the necessity of
watching and preparing for His re-
turn? Mark 13:34-37.
The Sheep and Goats
11.
What glory will attend the
second coming of Christ? Matt. 25:31.
12.
On what basis will decisions be
made in the coming judgment? Matt.
25:42-46.
Note.—"The good works performed by
those who are to be welcomed to the king-
dom were done to Christ in the person of His
suffering people. Those who had done these
good works did not see that they had done
anything for Christ. They had done no
more than their duty to suffering human-
ity. Those on the left hand could not see that
they had abused Christ in neglecting the
wants of His people. But they had neglected
to do for Jesus in the person of His saints,
and for this neglect they were to go away
into everlasting punishment. And one defi-
nite point of their neglect is thus stated: 'I
was a stranger, and ye took Me not in.'
"—
Testimonies, vol. 1,
pp. 679, 680.
"When we reflect the character of Jesus
perfectly we will feel as He does toward those
in need, and through us He will be able to
solace and succor others. The best evidence
of love for God is love that leads us to bear
`one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law
of Christ' (Gal. 6:2). . . . The best evi-
dence that a person has become a son of God
is that he does the works of
God."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 25:40.
( 15 ]
Lesson 5, for January 30, 1960
The Apostles' Conviction Regarding the Return of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast
off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:12.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 17; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptu res; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald"
of January 14.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
general survey.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12; read
further from Study Helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Based Upon Divine Revelation
1.
Promised by the angels. Acts 1:11.
2.
Testified to by "all His holy proph-
ets." Acts 3:19-21.
II. Forcefully Set Forth by the Apostle
Paul
3.
The day is at hand. Rom. 13:11, 12.
4.
God amply provides for the period
of waiting. 1 Cor. 1:7.
5.
The Lord's Supper points to Christ's
coming. 1 Cor. 11:25, 26.
6.
In Christ all shall be made alive.
1 Cor. 15:22, 23.
III. Clearly Confirmed by Other
Apostles
7.
The church has to wait in patience.
James 5:7, 8.
8.
Conviction based on eyewitness ac-
count. 2 Peter 1:16.
9.
Peter pictures the end of all things.
2 Peter 3:10.
IV. Declared by John
10.
Abiding in Him means the right
preparation. 1 John 2:28.
11.
We shall see Him and be like Him.
1 John 3:1, 2.
12.
Christ pledges His own word. Rev.
22:20.
THE LESSON
revealed to them speaks eloquently of their
faith in and longing for the return of Him
whom they loved and worshiped.
Introduction
Sustaining the apostles in the early days
of the church was the sure hope of the re-
turn of Him who had commissioned them.
Again and again we find them referring to
the return of Jesus. While they did not
understand the length of time to elapse be-
fore He came, they were told of many
events that must take place before that
blessed event. Their record of what- was
Based Upon Divine Revelation
1. What promise did the angels
make to the disciples at the ascension
of Jesus? Acts 1:11.
1161
2.
Which event was, according to
Peter's words, a major theme of the
prophets of old? Acts 3:19-21.
NOTE.,—"The dominant theme of the NT
writers is the return of Christ. . . . The
disciples had witnessed Christ's ascension
(ch. 1:9, 10), and they realized He must
remain in heaven until His second advent.
Jesus had told His disciples that it was
necessary for Him to leave them (John 14:
1-6), but even they did not understand until
they saw Him ascend, and learned that
they must look for His return."—The
Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Acts 3:20, 21.
Forcefully Set Forth by the
Apostle Paul
3.
What figure of speech did Paul
use in referring to the time just prior
to our Lord's return? Rom. 13:11, 12.
4.
In view of the imminent return
of Christ, what will the church be do-
ing? 1 Cor. 1:7.
5.
What sacred ordinance foreshad-
ows Christ's return? 1 Cor. 11:25, 26.
6.
When, according to Paul, will
the resurrection of the righteous dead
occur? 1 Cor. 15:22, 23.
Clearly Confirmed by Other
Apostles
7.
What attitude does James rec-
ommend to the waiting church in view
of the nearness of Christ's return?
James 5:7, 8.
To every bereaved believer the second advent
is the "blessed hope" of glad reunion.
NOTE.—"Look up, look up, and let your
faith continually increase. Let this faith
guide you along the narrow path that leads
through the gates of the city into the great
beyond, the wide, unbounded future of
glory that is for the redeemed."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 732.
8.
Upon what did Peter base his
faith in the surety of the return of
Jesus? 2 Peter 1:16.
9.
In his great prophecy, what
powerful picture did Peter paint of
the end of all things? 2 Peter 3:10.
Declared by John
10.
What admonition does the
apostle John give to the followers of
Jesus as they look forward to His com-
ing? 1 John 2:28.
NoTE.—" Abide in Him.
That is, in Christ.
This is direct counsel to take the action rec-
ommended in v. 27, in view of the an-
ticipated return of Jesus. . . . Only those
who abide in Christ will be prepared to
[ 17 ]
meet Him at His coming (cf. Matt. 24:13;
John 15:6). . . .
"The picture is of one who, having consist-
ently abided in Christ, has no fear of meet-
ing Him at His coming."—TIze
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 John
2:28.
11.
What is promised to the faith-
ful believer preparing for Christ's re-
turn? 1 John 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Like Him.
This points to the
fulfillment of God's plan for fallen man—
restoration to the divine image. Man was
made in the image of God, . . . but sin
ruined that likeness. It is God's design to
restore that similitude by giving to man
victory over sin and over every tempta-
tion. . . . The restoration will be completed
at the second advent (1 Cor. 15:51-53;
Phil. 3:20,
21)."—The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 3:2.
12.
With what pledge does Jesus,
through John the revelator, emphasize
the dominant theme of the New Testa-
ment? Rev. 22:20.
NOTE.—"The
coming of the Lord has been
in all ages the hope of His true followers.
The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet,
that He would come again, lighted up the
future for His disciples, filling their hearts
with joy and hope that sorrow could not
quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and
persecution, the 'appearing of the great
God and-our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the
`blessed hope.' When the Thessalonian
Christians were filled with grief as they
buried their loved ones, who had hoped to
live to witness the coming of the Lord,
Paul, their teacher, pointed them to the
resurrection, to take place at the Saviour's
advent. Then the dead in Christ should
rise, and together with the living be caught
up to meet the Lord in the air. 'And so,'
he said, 'shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these
words.' 1 Thess. 4:16-18.
"On rocky Patmos the beloved disciple
hears the promise, 'Surely I come quickly,'
and his longing response voices the prayer
of the church in all her pilgrimage, 'Even
so, come, Lord Jesus.' Rev.
22:20."—The
Great Controversy,
page 302.
We with the disciple John may look for-
ward with confidence to the day when we
shall see our blessed Lord face to face.
Lesson 6, for February 6, 1960
Signs on Earth
MEMORY VERSE:
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against king-
dom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers
places." Matt. 24:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 7; "The Great Controversy," chap-
ter 36; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptures;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of January 21.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-4. 0
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin read-
ing Study Helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read fur-
ther from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
further from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
18
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A World in Apprehension
1.
Earthquake under the sixth seal.
Rev. 6:12, first part.
2.
Universal fear. Luke 21:25, second
part, verse 26.
3.
Moral depravity. Matt. 24:37-39.
4.
God's warnings. Matt. 24:14.
II. A World of Discord
5.
Angry nations. Rev. 11:18; Ps. 2:1.
6.
Class antagonism. James 5:1-6.
7. Family discord. 2 Tim. 3:2, last
part, verse 3, first part.
III. A World in Spiritual Poverty
8. A faithless world. Luke 18:8.
9. A world of scoffers. 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
10. A world intolerant of truth. 2 Tim.
4:3, 4.
IV. A Church Waiting for Her Lord
11.
Aware that His coming is near.
Matt. 24:33.
12. Preparing for the day of God. 2
Peter 3:11, 12.
13. Purified by the blessed hope.
1
John
3:3.
THE LESSON
Introduction
In the mercy of God, every possible ap-
proach has been made to arouse men's
minds to the imminence of the return of
Jesus. When Jesus answered the disciples'
question about the signs of the destruction
of Jerusalem and the end of the world, He
gave signs that pertained to both events, as
may be seen in Matthew 24:4-6, 8. We
should be careful not to apply all the signs
to the second advent. There are clear signs
given of the end of all things, such as physi-
cal calamities, moral depravity, selfishness
and fear in men's hearts, universal knowl-
edge of the gospel.
A World in Apprehension
1. What divine intervention in the
prophecy of the sixth seal was a warn-
ing of the time of the end? Rev. 6:12,
first part.
NOTE.
-"The
events of the sixth seal
reveal the disjointing of the physical uni-
verse. The prophet Joel had already used
the figure of an earthquake to describe the
upheaval of nature in the day of the Lord
(Joel 2:10; cf. Isa. 13:9-11; Amos 8:9)."-
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Rev. 6:12.
"The great earthquake of [November 1,1
1755, extended over a trace of at least four
millions of square miles. . . . It pervaded
the greater portions of the continents of
Europe, Africa, and America; but its ex-
treme violence was exercised on the south-
western part of the former." "In Africa,
this earthquake was felt almost as severely
as it had been in Europe. .. . It is probable
. that all Africa was shaken. .. . At the
north, it extended to Norway and Sweden;
Germany, Holland, France, Great Britain,
and Ireland were all more or less agitated
by the same great and terrible commotion
of the elements."-Robert Sears,
Wonders
of the World,
pages 50, 58.
2.
What would multiplied signs of
coming judgment produce in men's
hearts? Luke 21:25, second part, verse
26.
Non.-"Distress" comes from
a
Greek
word used in the New Testament only here
and in 2 Corinthians 2:4, meaning
anguish.
The Revised Standard Version has "distress
of nations in perplexity." Robertson says
that "in perplexity" is the "state of one
. .. who has lost his way"-W
ord Pictures,
vol. 2, p. 260.
3.
What events in human conduct
would be further signs of imminent
disaster? Matt. 24:37-39.
[19
]
By our dress, our topics of convi
1
iiltion, our work;,
and our religion, do we show our faith in
Christ's soon coming?
NOTE.—"The same sins exist in our day
which brought the wrath of God upon the
world in the days of Noah. Men and
women now carry their eating and drinking
to gluttony and drunkenness. This prevail-
ing sin, the indulgence of perverted appe-
tite, inflamed the passions of men in the
days of Noah and led to general corruption,
until their violence and crimes reached to
heaven, and God washed the earth of its
moral pollution by a
flood."—Testimonies,
vol.
3, p. 163.
4.
To what extent is the gospel to
be preached before the Lord Jesus
comes in final judgment? Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—"This prophecy will again be ful-
filled. The abounding iniquity of that day
finds its counterpart in this generation. So
with the prediction in regard to the preach-
ing of the gospel. Before the fall of Jeru-
salem, Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit,
declared that the gospel was preached to
`every creature which is under heaven.'
Col. 1:23. So now, before the coming of
the Son of man, the everlasting gospel is
to be preached 'to every nation, and kin-
dred, and tongue, and people.' Rev. 14:6,
14."—The Desire of Ages,
page 633.
A World of Discord
5.
What leads to the outpouring of
God's wrath? Rev. 11:18. Compare
Ps. 2:1.
NoTE.—"Nations were angry. . . .
Such
will be the condition of the nations prior
to the coming of Christ. They will band to-
gether to oppose the work and people of
Christ... .
"Wrath.
The wrath of God is summed
up in the seven last plagues (ch. 15:1).
The work of opposition against Christ is
brought to a halt by these plagues."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 11:18.
6.
What picture of antagonism be-
tween rich and poor in the last days
is given by the apostle James? James
5:1-6.
NoTE.—Oppression of the poor and self-
ishness among the rich have existed in every
age. The psalmist fretted enviously at "the
prosperity of the wicked." Ps. 73:2, 3. In
the disciples' days some rich persons "de-
spised the poor," oppressed them and haled
them "before the judgment seats." James
2:6. These conditions will exist until "the
coming of the Lord." "Coming" is from
the Greek word
parousia,
signifying the
personal coming of Christ. He alone can
solve the world's mounting problems of
inequity, oppression, selfishness, hatred.
7.
In Paul's description of the law-
lessness of the last days, what is said
of family relationships? 2 Tim. 3:2,
last part, verse 3, first part.
NOTE .—Personal selfishness, communal
and family disloyalty, religious formality,
are seen in these verses. The world is not
progressing toward universal conversion to
Christ. "Evil men" are getting "worse
and worse."
Speaking of people represented by the
foolish virgins, Ellen G. White says, in
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 411: "They
do not know God. . . . The apostle Paul
points out that this will be the special
characteristic of those who live just before
Christ's second coming."
"With the increasing activity of the
prince of evil (cf. Rev. 7:1; 12:12), it is
to be expected that the agelong course of
[ 20
evil will reach a climax of intensity in 'the
last days.'
"—The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 3:1.
A World in Spiritual Poverty
8.
How did Jesus connect His com-
ing with a lack of faith on the earth?
Luke 18:8.
NoTE.—Jesus had been teaching that God
would "avenge His own elect" (verses 7,
8), and now connects His second coming
with that event. These two events are con-
nected in Matthew 16:27, in Revelation 22:
12, and elsewhere.
"This doctrine [that all the world will
be converted] . . . does not harmonize with
the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Jesus asked the significant question, 'When
the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith
on the earth?' And, as we have seen, he
declares that the state of the world will be
as in the days of
Noah."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 103.
9.
What will scoffers in the last
days say about the coming of Christ?
2 Peter 3:3, 4.
NoTE.—This scoffing occurs whenever the
second coming is preached. It was the at-
titude of many in the early days of the
advent message. See
The Great Contro-
versy,
page 370. It will be increasingly so
as the end approaches.
"He [Peter] is not here making specific
statements regarding the time of Christ's
coming, but is bent on preparing his flock
for 'the last days' whenever those days may
appear."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 2 Peter 3:3.
"The attention of the people should be
called to the momentous event which is
so near at hand. The signs of the times
should be kept fresh before their minds... .
When these things are dwelt upon as they
should be, scoffers will be developed who
walk after their own
lusts."—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
pp. 9, 10.
10.
What did Paul predict regard-
ing intolerance to sound doctrine at
some future time? 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
NoTE.—"The apostle was undoubtedly
thinking of the great apostasy that was
soon to develop in the church, and which
would continue to imperil it until the second
advent of Christ."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 4:3.
"The ministers of Christ today are in the
same danger. Satan is constantly at work
to divert the mind into wrong channels,
so that the truth may lose its force upon the
heart."—Gospel Workers,
page 312.
A Church Waiting for Her Lord
11.
In what way did Jesus say that
the believer may be able to tell when
the end is near? Matt. 24:33.
NoTE.—This chapter contains warnings
of Jerusalem's destruction, as well as of
the end of the world. The Lord would
have us differentiate between these signs,
as the language of Matthew 24:27-33 in-
dicates.. We are to "see all these things,"
"know that it is near," and be ready for
our Lord to come. Matt. 24:42.
"Jesus declares: 'There shall be signs in
the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations.'
Luke 21:25. . . . Those who behold these
. harbingers of His coming are to 'know
that it is near, even at the doors' Matt.
24:33. 'Watch ye therefore,' are His words
of admonition. Mark 13:35. They that
heed the warning shall not be left in dark-
ness, that that day should overtake them
unawares. But to them that will not watch,
'the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief
in the night.' 1 Thess.
5:2-5."—The Great
Controversy,
pages 37, 38.
12.
What is the relation between
Christian conduct and the knowledge
that the coming of the day of God is
near? 2 Peter 3:11, 12.
NoTE.—"Many . . . professed Christians
dress, talk, and act like the world, and the
only thing by which they may be known,
is their profession. Though they profess
to be looking for Christ, their conversation
is not in heaven, but on worldly things.
'What manner of persons' ought those to
[21]
be 'in all holy conversation and godliness.' "
-Early Writings,
page 108.
13. What will the blessed hope do
for a man? 1 John 3:3.
NoTE.-"Purifieth, . . .
`To cleanse from
defilement,' to purify.' The word is ap-
plied to both ceremonial and moral cleans-
ing (John 11:55; Acts 21:24, 26; 24:18;
James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22). Sinful man can-
not cleanse himself ; he is sold under sin
and utterly dependent upon the Saviour for
purity (Jer. 17:9; John 3:3; 1.5:4, 5; Rom.
8:7). Nevertheless, there is some work
that man, with divine aid, must do for him-
self. . . . This work demands diligent
watching and prayer (Eph. 6:13-18,; Col.
4:2; Rev.
3:3)."-The Seventh-day A4
-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 3:3.
Lesson 7, for February 13, 1960
Signs in the Heavens
MEMORY VERSE:
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted
worthy to escape ail these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before
the Son of man." Luke 21:36.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies to Ministers," pages 236-238; "The Great Controversy,"
pages 304-316 (1950 subscription ed., pp. 297-309); "The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary," on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Her-
ald" of January 28.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
Tuesday: Questions 10-13.
general survey.
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
Thursc14: Read Study Helps.
0
Monday: Questions 7-9; read from
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Study Helps.
III.
Prophecy and the Witness of
History
Joel
7. First sign
in the sun.
Matt. 24:29,
first part.
8. Sign in the moon. Mark 13:24.
Joel
9. Sign in the stars. Luke 21:25, first
part; Matt. 24:29.
IV.
The Church and the Signs in
the Heavens
10.
"Lift up your heads." Luke 21:28.
11.
"Know that it is nigh." Mark 13:29.
12.
"Take heed to yourselves." Luke
21:34.
13.
"Watch therefore." Matt. 24:42.
[ 22]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Old Testament Prophecies
1.
Heavenly bodies darkened.
3:15.
2.
Gloomy sunrise. Isa. 13:10.
3.
Wonders in the heavens.
2:30, 31.
II. New Testament Predictions
4.
Powers of heaven to be shaken.
Luke 21:25, 26.
5.
Sun darkened under the sixth seal.
Rev. 6:12, last part.
6.
Stars disturbed under sixth seal.
Rev. 6:13.
THE LESSON
no period of darkness of equal density, ex-
tent, and duration, has ever been recorded.
The description of this event, as given by
eyewitnesses, is but an echo of the words of
the Lord, recorded by the prophet Joel,
twenty-five hundred years previous to their
fulfillment."—The
Great Controversy,
page
308.
Introduction
God does not act in judgment without
giving men due warning. When He chose
to use the heavenly bodies as signs of the
approaching end, He knew that such signs
could not be wholly ignored. Today we
have the prophecies of the prophets of both
Old and New Testaments, as well as the
words of Jesus, reinforced by the fact that
some of the celestial signs are now proved
by the events of history.
Old Testament Prophecies
1.
What did the prophecy of Joel
indicate about the nature of certain
heavenly signs that will accompany
the day of the Lord? Joel 3:15.
Nom.—Read Joel 3:13-15 and observe
that "decision" time in the day of the Lord
is referred to. Many warning signs have
occurred, and now God is about to arise as
judge to decide the eternal destiny of the
nations. See verses 11-13 on God's appeal
prior to His final decisions. Man makes
his own decision for or against God, and
on that hangs God's final decision in judg-
ment.
2.
What did Isaiah say about un-
usual behaviour of the heavenly lu-
minaries? Isa. 13:10.
Nom.—"A supernatural darkness in
which the luminaries of heaven withhold
their light is often mentioned as one of the
phenomena accompanying the great and ter-
rible `day of the Lord' (Joel 2:10, 11; 3:15,
16; Amos 8:9; see also Matt. 24:29; Mark
13:24, 75; Luke 21:25; Rev. 6:12, 13; GC
636, 637). See EW
41."—The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 13:10.
3.
In what way did Joel speak of
wonders in the heavens? Joel 2:30, 31.
NOTE.—"May 19, 1780, stands in history
as `The Dark Day' Since the time of Moses
New Testament Predictions
4.
How did Jesus speak of God's
use of the heavenly bodies as omens
of the end? Luke 21:25, 26.
Num.—"When the Lord said `heaven,' in
giving signs recorded by Matthew, Mark,
and Luke, He meant heaven, and when He
said 'earth' He meant earth. The powers
of heaven are the sun, moon, and stars.
They rule in the heavens. The powers of
earth are those that rule on the earth. The
powers of heaven will be shaken at the
voice of God. Then the sun, moon, and
stars will be moved out of their places.
They will not pass away, but be shaken
by the voice of God."—Early
Writings,
page 41.
5.
In what words did the revelator
speak of the unnatural appearance of
the sun and the moon under the sixth
seal? Rev. 6:12, last part.
NOTE.—"The sun became black as sack-
cloth, the full moon became like blood."
Rev. 6:12, R.S.V.
6.
What did John say in the same
connection, about the movements of
the stars? Rev. 6:13.
Prophecy and the Witness
of History
7.
How did Jesus mention the sun
in warnings of the end? Matt. 24:29,
first part.
[ 23 ]
No man can be"watching"and
"ready"i[ he is asleep.
NoTE.—"As He warned His disciples of
Jerusalem's destruction, giving them a sign
of the approaching ruin, that they might
make their escape; so He has warned the
world of the day of final destruction and
has given them tokens of its approach, that
all who will may flee from the wrath to
come. Jesus declares: "There shall be signs
in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 37.
"Twenty-five years later [than the Lis-
bon earthquake, 1755] appeared the next
sign mentioned in the prophecy—the dark-
ening of the sun and moon. . . . The 1260
days, or years, terminated in 1798. A
quarter of a century earlier, persecution had
almost wholly ceased. Following this per-
secution, according to the words of Christ,
the sun was to be darkened. On the 19th
of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled."
—Ibid.,
p. 306.
8.
What did Jesus prophesy about
the moon as a sign of the coming of
the Son of man? Mark 13:24.
Nom—Following the dark day of May
19, 1780, came the supernatural obscure-
ment of the moon. "'Nor was the darkness
of the night less uncommon and terrifying
than that of the day; notwithstanding there
was almost a full moon, no object was dis-
cernible but by the help of some artificial
light, which, when seen from the neighbor-
ing houses and other places at a distance,
appeared through a kind of Egyptian dark-
ness which seemed almost impervious to
the rays'
"—The Great Controversy,
page
308.
9.
In what brief words does Luke
record Christ's reference to the use of
the heavenly bodies as warnings of
coming events? How does Matthew
amplify Luke's statement? Luke 21:25,
first part; Matt. 24:29.
NOTE.—"This prophecy received a strik-
ing and impressive fulfillment in the great
meteoric shower of November 13, 1833.
That was the most extensive and wonder-
ful display of falling stars which has ever
been recorded; 'the whole firmament, over
all the United States, being then, for hours,
in fiery commotion! No celestial phenome-
non has ever occurred in this country, since
its first settlement, which was viewed with
such intense admiration by one class in
the community, or with so much dread and
alarm by another.'
"—The Great Con-
troversy,
page
333.
The Church and the Signs in
the Heavens
10.
What advice did Jesus give to
men who see the import of these signs
in the heavens? Luke 21:28.
NoTE.—"Look up and raise your heads,"
R.S.V. "The Greek word, literally,
bend
up,
or
turn up,
meets us here and in chap.
13:11."—Ellicott's Commentary..
In Luke
13:11, sickness had kept a woman bent
with infirmity for eighteen years, so that
she "could in no wise lift up herself."
When men see the approach of the end,
every earthly preoccupation should be laid
aside. They should look up and prepare
to meet the Lord.
Looking up
is not one
look, but a life of preparedness.
11.
What are Christians to know
when they see the predicted signs com-
ing to pass? Mark 13:29.
[ 24 1
NoTE.—"Must we see things foretold
come to pass before we will believe what He
has said? In clear, distinct rays light has
come to us, showing us that the great day
of the Lord is near at hand, 'even at the
doors.' Let us read and understand before
it is too
late."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 20.
12.
In what words did Jesus warn
His followers against certain fatal
weaknesses which might overtake
them during the waiting period pre-
ceding His coming? Luke 21:34.
NOTE.—"We have reached the period
foretold in these scriptures. The time of
the end is come, the visions of the proph-
ets are unsealed, and their solemn warnings
point us to our Lord's coming in glory as
near at hand. The Jews misinterpreted and
misapplied the word of God, and they knew
not the time of their visitation. . . . While
we are not to know the hour of our Lord's
return, we may know when it is near."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 235.
13.
In what one word did Jesus
stress the necessity of constant prepar-
edness for His return? Matt. 24:42.
Compare Mark 13:35, 36.
NoTE.—"Jesus has left us word: 'Watch
ye therefore: for ye know not when the
Master of the house cometh, at even, or at
midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in
the morning: lest coming suddenly He find
you sleeping. And what I say unto you I
say unto all, Watch.' [Mark 13:35-37.1 We
are waiting and watching for the return
of the Master, who is to bring the morn-
ing, lest coming suddenly He find us sleep-
ing. What time is here referred to? Not
to the revelation of Christ in the clouds
of heaven to find a people asleep. No; but
to His return from His ministration in the
most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary,
when He lays off His priestly attire and
clothes Himself with garments of vengeance,
and when the mandate goes forth: 'He
that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and
he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:
and he that is righteous, let him be right-
eous still: and he that is holy, let him be
holy still.' When Jesus ceases to plead for
man, the cases of all are forever decided."—
Testimonies, vol.
2, pp. 190, 191.
Lesson 8, for February 20, 1960
Other Last-Day Signs
MEMORY VERSE:
"But thou,
0
Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even
to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in-
creased." Dan.
12:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 355, 356 (1950 subscription ed., pp.
349, 350); "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 170, 371, 372 (1923 ed., pp. 174,
376,
377);
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson scrip-
tures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald," of February 4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
[
25
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
3
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Increase of Knowledge and
Responsibility
1.
The sealed book. Dan. 12:4.
2.
The time of the end. Dan. 11:35.
3.
The 1260 years. Dan. 7:25.
4.
The purpose of increased knowl-
edge. Matt. 24:14.
II. Warnings for Perilous Times
5.
The love of self. 2 Tim. 3:2-5.
6.
The reason for reproof. James 5:
1-3.
7. The right use of possessions. Luke
12:16-21.
III. Disturbed Nations
8. Prophecy of war. Joel 3:9-11.
9. Christ's prophecy of wars and tu-
mults. Matt. 24:6, 7.
10. Failure to discern the signs. Matt.
16:3, 4.
IV. Facing the Future Confidently
11. "Fear not, Abram." Gen 15:1.
12. "Fear not, little flock." Luke 12:32.
13. "Fear God, and give glory to Him."
Rev. 14:7.
THE LESSON
Introduction
When God foretells future events, He does
so for two reasons: (1) that the sinner may
be warned and saved; (2) that the church
may be reassured and prepared.
Some prophecies have both a near and a
distant fulfillment, as when Jesus spoke of
conditions leading to Jerusalem's destruc-
tion as the background for the portrayal
of conditions at the end of the world. This
lesson deals with some of these prophecies
and points out both the dangers and a
way of escape from them.
Increase of Knowledge and
Responsibility
1. What special prophecies were to
be unfolded in the last days? Dan.
12:4. Compare Rev. 10:8-11.
NOTE.
-"It
was not given him [Daniel]
to understand all that God had revealed of
the divine purpose. 'Shut up the words,
and seal the book,' he was directed con-
cerning his prophetic writings; these were
to be sealed 'even to the time of the end.' "
-Prophets and Kings,
page 547.
"This prophecy has also been interpreted
as pointing to the stupendous advances of
science and general knowledge in the last
century and a half, advances that have
made possible a widespread proclamation
of the message of these prophecies."-The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 12:4.
2. Until what time were Christians to
suffer persecution at the hands of the
Roman power? Dan. 11:35.
NOTE.
-The end of the allotted period for
this persecution was to mark the opening
of "the time of the end."
3. How long were the saints to be
under the power of the little-horn
power? Dan. 7:25.
Nom-The little horn was to exercise
dominance "until a time and times and the
dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25), or 1260
years from A.D. 538 (defeat of the Ostro-
goths) till 1798. This marked the begin-
ning of "the time of the end." "The words
of the angel to Daniel relating to the last
days were to be understood in the time of
the
end."-The Desire of Ages,
page 234.
The prophecies of Daniel regarding the
end of all things needed widespread dis-
semination to be of help to mankind. This
demanded an accelerated scientific knowl-
edge such as we have seen in speedy trans-
portation, printing, medical knowledge,
[ 26 ]
The completion of the in robing order, "Go ye into
all the world," will be followed by the fulfillment,
.Q60- B
I
will come again.
commercial development, electronics. In
addition we have seen tmprecedented po-
litical, religious, educational, and intel-
lectual freedom—all of use in God's great
plan to prepare the world for coming
judgment.
4.
What was God's great purpose in
this unprecedented increase of knowl-
edge since the end of the eighteenth
cetitury? Matt. 24:14.
NoTE.—"The whole earth is to be illu-
minated with the glory of God's truth. The
light is to shine to all lands and all
peo-
ples."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 24.
"Thirty years after Christ spoke these
words Paul affirmed that the gospel had
gone to all the world (Col. 1:23; cf. Rom.
1:8; 10:18; Col. 1:5, 6; 8T 26), confirm-
ing the literal fulfillment of this prediction
in his day (see DA 633). However, Paul's
declaration was true in a limited sense
only. . . . The complete fulfillment of this
prediction of our Lord is yet to be realized
(see ..A 111)."—The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 24:14.
Warnings for Perilous Times
5.
In what nineteen striking expres-
sions does Paul illustrate the perils of
the last days in human relations?
What are Christians to do under such
conditions? 2 Tim. 3:2-5.
NOTE.—"The Bible declares that before
the coming of the Lord there will exist a
state of religious declension similar to that
in the first centuries."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 444.
6.
What does the apostle say will
bring misery upon certain classes in
the last times? James 5:1-3.
NoTE.—The selfish rich here exemplify
men who have the means and the power
to do good, but refuse to do it. Selfishness,
fraudulence, callous disregard of others'
needs, always call out envy and resent-
ment in return, but increasingly so in the
end of time.
"The apostle refers not only to the in-
security that always surrounds an accumu-
lation of riches but also to increasing ten-
sions as the last days of earth's history
draw
near."—The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on James 5:1.
7.
In what way did Jesus teach that
selfish hoarding of possessions leaves
us poor before God? Luke 12:16-21.
NoTE.—"The man in the parable had not
where to bestow his goods, and the Lord
cut short his unprofitable life. So will He
deal with many. How difficult, in this cor-
rupt age, to keep from growing worldly
and selfish. How easy to become ungrate-
ful to the Giver of all our mercies. Great
watchfulness is needed, and much prayer,
to keep the soul with all diligence."—
Testimonies, vol.
2, p. 199.
Jesus possessed practically no worldly
goods, but how rich He was in unselfish
love and service! "The spirit of Christ's
self-sacrificing love is the spirit that per-
vades heaven and is the very essence of
its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ's fol-
lowers will possess, the work that they
will
do."
,
---Steps to Christ,
page 77 (1908
ed., p. 81).
[27
7
Disturbed Nations
8.
What conditions will arise in the
last days? Joel 3:9-11.
NoTE.—"The gradual withdrawal of
God's Spirit in these last days leaves the
way open for a corresponding increase in
satanic activity designed to lead men on to
destroy one another. This process will
reach its climax just before the coming of
the Son of man in the clouds of heaven."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Joel 3:9.
In
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 446, the words
of Joel 3:14, "multitudes in the valley of
decision," are applied to the spiritual decision
that truth brings to people under the three
angels' messages. In that spiritual sense,
this prophecy is vital to us all today.
9.
What conditions that existed pre-
ceding Jerusalem's destruction are to
exist increasingly before the end?
Matt. 24:6, 7. Compare Mark 13:7, 8;
Luke 21:9, 10.
NotE.—In the forty years between this
speech during the last week before Christ's
crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem,
there were fierce persecutions of Jews, es-
pecially at Alexandria in A.D. 38. At Se-
leucia, about the same time, some 50,000
Jews were slaughtered, and many other
national tumults are recorded by Josephus.
But the Lord's discourse did not leave
trouble behind at Jerusalem's fall. "The
end is not yet," He said.
"We have by no means to understand
exclusively
the wars, etc., which were to
take place in the interval of forty years;
but all the calamities of this kind which
in continually increasing measure should
precede the end of the world, of which the
destruction of Jerusalem was only a type."
—J. J. Van Oosterzee,
Gospel According
to Luke,
quoted by Wilbur M. Smith in
This Atomic Age and the Word of God,
page 251.
"Here all wars are meant down to the
end of the world; and certainly there are
enough of them to be found."—Lange's
Commentary,
on Matt. 24:6.
10.
How did Jesus rebuke the
Pharisees and Sadducees for their fail-
ure to discern the signs of their times?
What was the tragic result? Matt.
16:3, 4. Compare 23:37-39.
NOTE.—"We need keen, sanctified per-
ception. This perception is not to be used
in criticizing and condemning one another,
but discerning the signs of the times."—
Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 101.
"Jerusalem is a representation of what
the church will be if it refuses to walk in
the light that God has given. Jerusalem
was favored of God as the depositary of
sacred trusts. But her people perverted the
truth, and despised all entreaties and warn-
ings. They would not respect His coun-
sels. The temple courts we're polluted with
merchandise and robbery. Selfishness and
love of mammon, envy and strife, were
cherished. Everyone sought for gain."—
Ibid.,
p. 67.
Facing the Future Confidently
11.
What message came to Abra-
ham at a time when he looked toward
the future with foreboding? Gen. 15:1.
NoTE.—The Canaanites were jealous of
Abraham's growing wealth and power, the
Mesopotamian kings were no doubt ready
to avenge their defeat, Abraham was still
childless, God's promise was still unful-
filled, and the future was uncertain.
"His mind was disturbed by harassing
thoughts. He had been a man of peace,
so far as possible shunning enmity and
strife; and with horror he recalled the scene
of carnage he had witnessed. But the na-
tions whose forces he had defeated would
doubtless renew the invasion of Canaan,
and make him the special object of their
vengeance. Becoming thus involved in na-
tional quarrels, the peaceful quiet of his
life would be broken. Furthermore, he had
not entered upon the possession of Canaan,
nor could he now hope for an heir, to
[ 28 ]
whom the promise might be fulfilled."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 136.
12. What did Jesus say to His dis-
ciples about the kingdom, at a time
when their future seemed uncertain?
Luke 12:32.
NoTE.—"As they went out in their Mas-
ter's name, facing reproach and poverty
and persecution, they often strengthened
their hearts by repeating His injunction,
spoken on this last journey, 'Fear not, little
flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.'
"—The Desire
of Ages,
page 496.
13. What are men exhorted to do as
they see the omens of imminent judg-
ment? Rev. 14:7.
NOTE.—"Today the church of God is
free to carry forward to completion the
divine plan for the salvation of a lost race.
. . , To spiritual Israel have been restored
the privileges accorded the people of God
at the time of their deliverance from Baby-
lon. In every part of the earth, men and
women are responding to the Heaven-sent
message which John the revelator prophe-
sied would be proclaimed prior to the
second coming of
Christ."—Prophets and
Kings,
page 714.
Lesson 9, for February 27, 1960
Signs in the Spiritual World
MEMORY VERSE:
"To the law and to
the testimony: if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 321, 444, 563-581 (1950 subscrip-
tion ed., pp. 314, 315, 437, 438, 557-574); "Early Writings," pages 139, 227;
"Testimonies to Ministers," page 78; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Feb-
ruary 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin
reading from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12; read
further from Study Helps.
Thursday: Questions 13-15; read
further from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Widespread Moral Decay
1.
A peril for the world. 2 Tim. 3:1.
2.
A source of corruption to mankind.
2 Tim. 3:2-4.
3.
Outward piety, inward evil. 2 Tim.
3:5, first part.
4.
The Christian's duty. 2 Tim. 3:5,
last part.
II. Counterfeits of Prophecy
5.
False christs. Matt. 24:24.
6.
Deceptive proclamations. Matt.
24:26.
I 29 I
7.
Counteractive remedies. Matt. 24:
26, last clause; Isa. 8:20.
Ill. Tendency Toward Apostasy
8.
Departure from the faith. 1 Tim.
4:1.
9.
Falling prey to deception. 2 Thess.
2:3, 4.
IV. The Resurgence of an Evil Power
10.
Recapture of former influence. Rev.
13:3.
11.
Additional usurpation of power.
Rev. 13:14-17.
12.
Almost world-wide success. Rev.
13:8.
V. Waning Watchfulness
13.
A spiritual danger to the Lord's
servants. Matt. 24:48.
14.
The cause of a sad fate. Matt. 24:
50, 51.
15.
A warning to God's people. Matt.
24:44-46.
THE LESSON
times shall come;' and that the kingdom of
darkness shall continue until the advent of
the Lord and shall be consumed with the
spirit of His mouth and be destroyed with
the brightness of His coming."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 321.
2. What characteristics of men in
the last days make those days perilous?
2
Tim. 3:2-4.
Introduction
The most ominous signs of the end of the
world are not necessarily visible to all. The
subtle and continuous declension in spiritual
integrity, even among Christians, is just
as real a sign as the darkening of the sun
or the falling of the stars. Watch should
be kept, by the earnest Christian, of these
signs of the coming of the Lord.
Widespread Moral Decay
1. What gloomy forecast with re-
gard to the dangerous spiritual con-
ditions in the time of the end does
Paul make?
2
Tim.
3:1.
NorE.—"Taking the manner in which
the prophecies had been fulfilled in the
past as a criterion by which to judge of
the fulfillment of those which were still
future, he [William Miller] became satis-
fied that the popular view of the spiritual
reign of Christ—a temporal millennium be-
fore the end of the world—was not sus-
tained by the word of God. This doctrine,
pointing to a thousand years of righteous-
ness and peace before the personal coming
of the Lord, put far off the terrors of the
day of God. But, pleasing though it may
be, it is contrary to the teachings of Christ
and His apostles, who declared that the
wheat and the tares are to grow together
until the harvest, the end of the world;
that 'evil men and seducers shall wax worse
and worse;' that 'in the last days perilous
NorE.—The collapse of civilized practices
during the wars and unrest of the past two
decades furnish sufficient proof of the ac-
curacy of the prophecy under consideration.
Torture, programs of exterminations di-
rected at whole races of people, and inter-
national treachery are fulfillments that are
known by the whole world.
3.
While indulging in ungodly
practices, what will many in the last
days profess?
2
Tim.
3:5,
first part.
NOTE.-"I
saw a very large company
professing the name of Christ, but God
did not recognize them as His. He had no
pleasure in them. Satan seemed to assume
a religious character, and was very willing
that the people should think they were
Christians. He was even anxious that they
should believe in Jesus, His crucifixion, and
His resurrection. Satan and his angels
fully believe all this themselves, and trem-
ble. But if this faith does not provoke to
good works, and lead those who profess it
Many professed ministers of God are crowding out
the Bible by man-made theories and false science.
to imitate the self-denying life of Christ,
Satan is not disturbed; for they merely
assume the Christian name, while their
hearts are still carnal, and he can use them
in his service even better than if they
made no profession. Hiding their deformity
under the name of Christian, they pass
along with their unsanctified natures, and
their evil passions unsubdued. This gives
occasion for the unbeliever to reproach
Christ with their imperfections, and causes
those who do possess pure and undefiled
religion to be brought into disrepute."—
Early Writings,
pages 227, 228.
4.
What should be the Christian's
attitude toward those who profess reli-
gion but do not practice it? 2 Tim.
3:5, last part.
Counterfeits of Prophecy
5.
Against what special deceptions
are the elect warned? Matt. 24:24.
6.
What counterfeit measures did
Christ indicate would be attempted?
Matt. 24:26.
NoTE.—"Prophesyings which contradict
the plain and positive declarations of the
word, are to be rejected. Thus our Saviour
taught His disciples when He warned them
concerning the manner of His second com-
ing. When Jesus ascended to heaven in the
sight of His disciples, it was declared most
explicitly by the angels that this same
Jesus should so come in like manner as
they had seen Him go into heaven. Hence
Jesus, in predicting the work of the false
prophets of the last days, says, 'If they
shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the
desert, go not forth; Behold, He is in the
secret chambers, believe it not.' All true
prophesying on that point must recognize
His visible coming from heaven."—Early
Writings,
page 139.
7.
How are all such manifestations
to be regarded by God's people? Matt.
24:25, 26, last clause; Isa. 8:20.
Tendency Toward Apostasy
8.
What has the Spirit revealed con-
cerning the apostasies in the last days?
1 Tim. 4:1.
NOTE.—"In the days of Christ the leaders
and teachers of Israel were powerless to
resist the work of Satan. They were neg-
lecting the only means by which they
could have withstood evil spirits. It was by
the word of God that Christ overcame the
wicked one. The leaders of Israel pro-
fessed to be the expositors of God's word,
but they had studied it only to sustain their
traditions, and enforce their man-made ob-
servances. By their interpretation they
made it express sentiments that God had
never given. Their mystical construction
made indistinct that which He had made
plain. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast.
God's word was robbed of its power. . . .
"History is repeating. With the open
Bible before them, and professing to rever-
ence its teachings, many of the religious
leaders of our time are destroying faith in
it as the word of God. They busy them-
selves with dissecting the word, and set
their own opinions above its plainest state-
ments. In their hands God's word loses its
regenerating power. This is why infidelity
runs riot, and iniquity is
rife."—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 257, 258.
[ 31 ]
9.
With what prophetic words did
Paul speak in another place of this
same tragic happening? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.
NOTE.—"The apostle Paul, in his second
letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the
great apostasy which would result in the
establishment of the papal power. He de-
clared that the day of Christ should not
come, 'except there come a falling away
first, and that man of sin be revealed. . .
And furthermore, the apostle warns his
brethren that 'the mystery of iniquity doth
already work.' 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7. Even
at that early date he saw, creeping into the
church, errors that would prepare the way
for the development of the papacy."—The
Great Controversy,
page 49.
The Resurgence of an
Evil Power
10.
What startling development
does prophecy indicate will bring a
restoration of the "mystery of iniq-
uity"? Rev 13:3.
NoTE.—"Since the middle of the nine-
teenth century, students of prophecy in
the United States have presented this
testimony to the world. In the events now
taking place is seen a rapid advance toward
the fulfillment of the prediction. With Prot-
estant teachers there is the same claim of
divine authority for Sundaykeeping, and the
same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with
the papal leaders who fabricated miracles
to supply the place of a command from
God. The assertion that God's judgments
are visited upon men for their violation of
the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; al-
ready it is beginning to be urged. And a
movement to enforce Sunday observance
is fast gaining ground."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 579, 580.
11.
What evil attempt will the
second power of Revelation 13 make
upon the activities and lives of the
saints? Rev. 13:14-17.
12.
Who alone will
not
be de-
ceived? Rev. 13:8.
Waning Watchfulness
13.
Against what attitude must
Christ's followers constantly be on
guard? Matt. 24:48.
Nora.—"The Lord has a controversy
with all men who by their unbelief and
doubt have been saying that He delays His
coming, and who have been smiting their
fellow servants, and eating and drinking
with (working from the very same prin-
ciple as) the drunken; they are drunken,
but not with wine; they stagger, but not
with strong drink. Satan has controlled
their reason, and they know not at what
they
stumble."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 78.
14.
When the Lord returns, what
will be the fate of the "evil servant"?
Matt. 24:50, 51.
15.
What is said of those who are
found ready and watching for their
Lord's return? Matt. 24:44-46.
The teacher's edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly"
is a valuable aid to every Sabbath-school teacher, because every
other page is blank, providing space for writing out texts, notes,
comments, etc. Ask your Sabbath-school secretary to secure one for
you along with the order for regular "Quarterlies."
[
32 ]
Lesson 10, for March 5, 1960
The Manner of His Coming
MEMORY VERSE: "But I
say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the
vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."
Matthew 26:29.
STUDY HELPS:
"Early Writings," pages 285-288; "The Desire of Ages," page 832;
"The Great Controversy," pages 315, 625 (1950 subscription ed., pp. 308, 309,
617,
618);
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson scrip-
tures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 18.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
general survey.
from Study Helps.
Sunday:
Questions
1, 2; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading Study
ing
from Study Helps.
Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Introduction
Jesus is to return to His followers in a
literal, visible, audible manner, in such a
manner that every inhabitant of the earth
will know it is He. How strange that so
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. He Will Come Literally
1.
To those who look for Him. Heb.
9:28.
2.
"In like manner." Acts 1:11, last
part.
II. He Will Come Visibly
3.
The disciples watched Him. Acts 1:9.
4.
"Every eye shall see Him." Rev.
1:7.
5.
He will be as visible as lightning.
Luke 17:24.
6.
He will be seen in the clouds of
heaven. Matt. 24:30.
III. He Will Come in Demonstration
of
Power
7.
"With great power and glory."
Mark 13:26.
8.
"In His own glory." Luke 9:26.
9.
With His angels. Matt. 25:31.
10.
"The Lord Himself." 1 Thess. 4:
16, first part.
11.
With a shout of command. 1 Thess.
4:16, second part.
IV. He Will Minister to Our Physical
Needs
12.
As on this earth. John 21:9-13.
13.
So in the world to come. Matt. 26:
29; Rev. 19:9.
THE LESSON
many do not now believe when they have
before them the evidence found in this
lesson! Yet the followers of Christ need
to know these promises well, for the ad-
versary of our souls will deceive us if we
do not.
The guardian angels and the faithful they have
Y
-1
.
4
protected in li e will meet face to face
at the second advent.
He Will Come Literally
1.
What is the promise to those
who are found looking for the com-
ing of Jesus? Heb. 9:28.
NoTE.—"This word 'appear' should be
given special attention. Christ, when He
comes the second time, will come in an
open, public manner; there will be nothing
secret about it; there will be nothing hid-
den from the eye of man; 'He will appear,'
that is, He will be seen by the people dwell-
ing on the earth. . . .
"His coming will be literal, personal,
bodily, visible. It will be a real thing,
not the coming of a 'spirit being,' an 'in
visible Lord,' but of the very same Jesus
who walked with His disciples on the hills
of Galilee."—Carlyle B. Haynes,
The Re-
turn of Jesus,
page 114.
2.
What did the angels who were
present at the ascension of Jesus say
of the manner of His second coming?
Acts 1:11, last part.
NoTE.—"Christ had ascended to heaven
in the form of humanity. The disciples had
beheld the cloud receive Him. The same
Jesus who had walked and talked and
prayed with them; who had broken bread
with them; who had been with them in
their boats on the lake; and who had that
very day toiled with them up the ascent
of Olivet,—the same Jesus had now gone to
share His Father's throne. And the angels
had assured them that the very One whom
they had seen go up into heaven, would
come again even as He had ascended. He
will come 'with clouds; and every eye shall
see Him.' The Lord Himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the Archangel, and with the trump of
God: and the dead in Christ shall rise.'
`The Son of man shall come in His glory,
and all the holy angels with Him, then shall
He sit upon the throne of His glory.' Rev.
1:7; 1 Thess. 4:16; Matt. 25:31. Thus
will be fulfilled the Lord's own promise to
His disciples: `If I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come again, and receive you
unto Myself ; that where I am, there ye
may be also.' John 14:3. Well might the
disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's
return."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 832.
He Will Come Visibly
3.
In what manner did Christ
ascend to heaven? Acts 1:9.
4.
How does John the revelator
portray the second coming of our
Lord? Rev. 1:7.
5.
How did Jesus Himself describe
the manner of His coming? Luke
17:24.
NOTE.—"And, furthermore, Satan is not
permitted to counterfeit the manner of
Christ's advent. The Saviour has warned
His people against deception upon this
point, and has clearly foretold the manner
of His second coming. 'There shall arise
false christs, and false prophets, and shall
show great signs and wonders; insomuch
that, if it were possible, they shall deceive
the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they
shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the
[ 34 ]
desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the
secret chambers; believe it not. For as
the lightning cometh out of the east, and
shineth even unto the west; so shall also
the coming of the Son of man be.' Matt.
24:24-27. . . . This coming there is no possi-
bility of counterfeiting. It will be univer-
sally known—witnessed by the whole
world."—The
Great Controversy,
page 625.
6.
What further proof is there that
Jesus' return will be witnessed by all
the world? Matt. 24:30.
He Will Come in Demonstration
of Power
7.
What two manifestations did
Jesus say would attend His coming?
Mark 13:26.
NOTE.—"Christ is coming with power
and great glory. He is coming with His
own glory and with the glory of the
Father. And the holy angels will attend
Him on His way. While all the world is
plunged in darkness, there will be light in
every dwelling of the saints. They will
catch the first light of His second appear-
ing. The unsullied light will shine from His
splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will be
admired by all who have served Him. While
the wicked flee, Christ's followers will re-
joice in His
presence."—Prophets and Kings,
page 720.
8.
In whose glory will He come?
Luke 9:26.
9.
As Christ descends from heaven
to claim His own, who will accom-
pany Him? Matt. 25:31. Compare
Matt. 24:31.
NOTE.—"With anthems of celestial mel-
ody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered
throng, attend Him on His way. The firma-
ment seems filled with radiant forms—`ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands
of thousands.' No human pen can portray
the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to
conceive its splendor. . . . As the living
cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds
the Prince of life. No crown of thorns
now mars that sacred head; but a diadem
of glory rests on His holy brow. His
countenance outshines the dazzling bright-
ness of the noonday sun. 'And He hath on
His vesture and on His thigh
a
name
written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.'
Rev. 19
:16."—The Great Controversy,
page 641.
"It is appropriate that the angels, who
have ministered to the needs of those who
have become 'heirs of salvation' (Heb. 1:
14), should participate in the events of that
glorious morning. Now, for the first time,
God's people will have the privilege of
seeing face to face these holy beings who
have guarded them throughout this earthly
pilgrimage."—The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 24:31.
10.
In what emphatic words did
the apostle Paul speak of the personal
coming of Christ? 1 Thess. 4:16, first
part.
NoTE.—"In non-Biblical writings
keleusma
is used of an officer issuing orders to his
troops or of a charioteer urging his horses.
. . . He has conquered death and the grave
(Rev. 1:18) . No longer can the enemy, death,
hold any of the redeemed in his cold grasp.
The righteous dead respond to their Lord's
command and rise from their graves."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Thess. 4:16.
11.
How does Christ demonstrate
His authority as Victor? 1 Thess. 4:16,
last part.
NoTE.—"The Lord Himself.
The per-
sonal, visible, bodily appearing of the
Lord in great majesty is here clearly de-
scribed. Christ does not send a deputy,
nor does He come spiritually. He Himself
comes in person. The same Jesus who as-
cended to heaven now descends from
heaven."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Thess. 4:16.
[ 36 ]
He Will Minister to Our
Physical Needs
12.
After His resurrection, how did
Jesus demonstrate that He was the
same Jesus who had always ministered
to both the spiritual and the physical.
John 21:9-13.
13.
When will Jesus again bid His
faithful followers to dine with Him?
Matt. 26:29; Rev. 19:9.
Narr.—In a recital of her first vision,
Ellen G. White gives us this beautiful
picture: "Soon we heard His lovely voice
again, saying, 'Come, My people, you have
come out of great tribulation, and done My
will; suffered for Me; come in to supper,
for I will gird Myself, and serve you.' We
shouted, Villeinlia ! glory !' and entered into
the city. And I saw a table of pure silver;
it was many miles in length, yet our eyes
could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the
tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs,
pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds
of fruit. I asked Jesus to let me eat of
the fruit. He said, Not now. Those who
eat of the fruit of this land, go back to
earth no more. But in a little while, if
faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of
the tree of life, and drink of the water of the
fountain.'
"—Early Writings,
pages 19, 20.
Let us be faithful, that in a little while
we
may partake of the tree of life.
Lesson 11, for March 12, 1960
Preparation for Christ's Coming
MEMORY VERSE:
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto
them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto sal-
vation." Heb. 9:28.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 37, 428, 508 (1950 subscription ed.,
pp. 19-21, 422, 423, 502); "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 177, 178, 310,
(1923 ed., pp. 180, 181, 317); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,"
on lesson scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 25.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading from
Study Helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading from
Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Essential Preparation
1.
We must love His appearing. 2 Tim.
4:6-8.
2.
We must
be patient. James 5:8.
[861
3.
We must be prayerful. Luke
21:36.
4.
We must have Christ's righteous-
ness. Rev. 3:18.
5.
We must have the wedding gar-
ment. Matt. 22:11-13.
II. The End of Human Probation
6.
The final decree. Rev. 22:11, 12.
7.
The sorrow of the unrepentant.
Rev. 6:15-17.
8.
The reason for unpreparedness. 2
Cor. 4:4.
Ill. Out of Tribulation
9.
Purified by tribulation. Rev. 7:13, 14.
10.
The commandment-keeping church.
Rev. 12:17.
11.
The church triumphant. Rev. 19:
7-9.
12.
On the sea of glass. Rev. 15:2, 3.
THE LESSON
lAtroduction
There is a terrible finality in the warn-
ings found in the scriptures used in this
lesson. Everyone faces the irrevocable edict
of God that will apply to him according to
his choice of good or evil. We need often
to read the warnings and admonitions
given here, that we may be constantly alert
to the danger of carelessly drifting away
from Christ and His righteousness into
eternal loss.
The Essential Preparation
1.
What testimony did Paul give of
his preparedness to meet Christ?
2 Tim. 4:6-8.
NoTE.—"A
good fight.
Literally, 'the
good fight.' The definite article emphasizes
that supreme fight `of faith' . . . in which
all Christians are engaged.
"My course.
That is, the course of life
that God has appointed him. Paul had ful-
filled God's plan for him ; he did not slacken
or falter, he met every challenge, even his
execution, with Christian buoyancy and
resoluteness. . . .
"The faith. . . .
Personal faith depends
upon adherence to God's word. Every
Christian will 'guard the faith' by his per-
sonal representation of its principles. The
sincerity of a Christian's personal faith is
measured by the extent to which he re-
flects these principles. .
"Love. . . .
The word suggests much
more than mere impulse; it demands that
the whole life, every phase of thought and
action, be oriented with respect to the
person loved. The joyous prospect of the
second advent controls the Christian's use of
his time and money, affects his choice of
friends, and provides a powerful incentive
to eliminate defects in character and to be-
come more like Christ."—The
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 2 Tim.
4:7, 8.
2.
Amid the turmoil of these latter
days, what Christian grace must the
believer exercise? James 5:8.
NOTE.—"The world has become bold in
transgression of God's law. Because of
His long forbearance, men have trampled
upon His authority. They have strength-
ened one another in oppression and cruelty
toward His heritage, saying, `How doth
God know? and is there knowledge in the
Most High?' Ps. 73:11. But there is a line
beyond which they cannot pass. The time
is near when they will have reached the
prescribed limit. Even now they have al-
most exceeded the bounds of the long-suf-
fering of God, the limits of His grace, the
limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose
to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His
people, and to repress the swellings of un-
righteousness."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 177, 178.
3.
To all those who would be "ac-
counted worthy," what exhortation
did Jesus give? Luke 21:36.
4.
In His message to the church of
Laodicea, how did Christ say prepara-
tion should be made? Rev. 3:18.
5.
How did Jesus emphasize the
necessity of being covered with His
robe of righteousness? Matt. 22:11-13.
t
87 1
5P1
How shall I use my time
and spend my money,
knowing Jesus is
coming soon?
NoTE.—"In the parable of Matthew 22
the same figure of the marriage is intro-
duced, and the investigative judgment is
clearly represented as taking place before
the marriage. Previous to the wedding the
king comes in to see the guests, to see if all
are attired in the wedding garment, the
spotless robe of character washed and made
white in the blood of the Lamb. Matt. 22:
11; Rev. 7:14. He who is found wanting is
cast out, but all who upon examination are
seen to have the wedding garment on are
accepted of God and accounted worthy of
a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His
throne. This work of examination of char-
acter, of determining who are prepared
for the kingdom of God, is that of the in-
vestigative judgment, the closing work in
the sanctuary, above.
"When the work of investigation shall
be ended, when the cases of those who in
all ages have professed to be followers of
Christ have been examined and decided,
then, and not till then, probation will close,
and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus
in the one short sentence. 'They that were
ready went in with Him to the marriage,
and the door was shut,' we are carried
down through the Saviour's final minis-
tration, to the time when the great work
for man's salvation shall be completed."—
The Great Controversy,
page 428.
The End of Human Probation
6.
When must the preparation of
the Christian to meet Christ be com-
plete? Rev. 22:11, 12.
7.
What will be the experience of
those who are unprepared to meet
Christ? Rev. 6:15-17.
NorE.—"Let men beware lest they neglect
the lesson conveyed to them in the words
of Christ. As He warned His disciples
of Jerusalem's destruction, giving them a
sign of the approaching ruin, that they
might make their escape; so He has warned
the world of the day of final destruction
and has given them tokens of its approach,
that all who will may flee from the wrath
to come. Jesus declares, 'There
Shall
be
signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in
the stars; and upon the earth distress of
nations.' Luke 21:25. . . . Those who be-
hold these harbingers of His coming are to
'know that it is near, even at the doors.'
Matt. 24:33. 'Watch ye therefore,' are His
words of admonition. Mark 13:35. They
that heed the warning shall not be left in
darkness, that that day should overtake
them unawares. But to them that will not
watch, 'the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night.' 1 Thess.
5:2-5."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 37, 38.
8.
Why will so many be unpre-
pared? 2 Cor. 4:4.
NOTE.—"Satan is continually seeking to
overcome the people of God by breaking
down the barriers which separate them
from the world. Ancient Israel were en-
ticed into sin when they ventured into
forbidden association with the heathen. In
a similar manner are modern Israel led
astray. . . . All who are not decided fol-
lowers of Christ are servants of Satan.
In the unregenerate heart there is love of
sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse
it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of
sin and determined resistance against it.
When Christians choose the society of the
ungodly and unbelieving, they expose them-
selves to temptation. Satan conceals him-
self from view and stealthily draws his
r
$8
I
deceptive covering over their eyes. They
cannot see that such company is calculated
to do them harm; and while all the time
assimilating to the world in character,
words, and actions, they are becoming more
and more blinded."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 508.
Out of Tribulation
9.
For what must those be prepared
who wish to triumph with Christ?
Rev. 7:13, 14.
NOTE.—"Great will be the joy and satis-
faction of those who, after long and patient
waiting, at last see the fruition of their
hopes, as the sign of the coming of the
Son of man appears in view. With what
joy, what unspeakable rapture, will they
witness His approach, as they realize that
the struggle with sin and all of its evil
consequences is forever over. Behind them
is earth, with its thorny pathways, its bit-
terness and toil, its disappointments, and
its blessings. Before them is an eternity in
the presence of Him whom they love, for
whom they have waited, and in whom
they have trusted."—His
Glorious Appear-
ing,
page 123.
10.
What will characterize the rem-
nant church? Rev. 12:17.
11.
What will be the condition of
the true church at the coming of
Jesus? Rev. 19:7-9.
NOTE.—"By the wedding garment in the
parable is represented the pure, spotless
character which Christ's true followers
will possess. To the church it is given 'that
she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean
and white,' not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing.' Rev. 19:8. The fine linen,
says the Scripture, 'is the righteousness of
saints.' Eph. 5:27. It is the righteousness
of Christ, His own unblemished character,
that through faith is imparted to all who
receive Him as their personal Saviour. . . .
"Only the covering which Christ Himself
has provided can make us meet to appear
in God's presence."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 310, 311.
12.
Where did John the revelator
see the triumphant church? What song
were they singing? Rev. 15:2, 3.
NorE.—"Upon the crystal sea before the
throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled
with fire,—so resplendent is it with the
glory of God,— are gathered the company
that have 'gotten the victory over the
beast, and over his image, and over his
mark, and over the number of his name.'
With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, 'having
the harps of God,' they stand, the hundred
and forty and four thousand that were
redeemed from among men; and there is
heard, as the sound of many waters, and
as the sound of a great thunder, 'the voice
of harpers harping with their harps.' And
they sing 'a new song' before the throne, a
song which no man can learn save the hun-
dred and forty and four thousand. It is
the song of Moses and the Lamb."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 648, 649.
Lesson 12, for March 19, 1960
The Object of His Coming
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fu'llness of
joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Ps. 16:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 804, 301, 302, 549; "The Great Contro-
versy," chapter 40; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson
scriptures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of March 3.
[ 89
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin read-
Helps.
ing from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read fur-
ther from Study Helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. To Redeem the Earth and His People
1.
The first dominion restored. Micah
4:6-8.
2.
Christ glorified in His saints. 2
Thess. 1:10.
3.
His people raised. 1 Thess. 4:16,
last part.
4.
The redeemed changed into an in-
corruptible state. 1 Cor. 15:51-57.
II. To Bestow Upon His Children the
New Life
5. They shall be clothed with im-
mortality. 1 Cor. 15:53; Rom. 6:22.
6.
They shall eat from the tree of life.
Rev. 2:7.
7.
They shall know God. 1 Cor. 13:12.
8.
They shall inherit the earth. Ps.
37:11; Matt. 5:5.
9.
They shall leave behind all suffer-
ing. Rev. 21:4.
III. To Lead the Saved Into the Fullness
of Joy and Glory
10.
Perfect life in the presence of God.
Rev. 22:4.
11.
Complete salvation for the highest
price. John 3:16.
12.
Closest communion with the Re-
deemer. Rev. 7:15.
13.
Everlasting tender watchcare by
the Lamb. Rev. 7:16, 17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The time will finally come to which the
saints have looked forward; to which God
Himself has looked forward. Now He can
give back to His beloved people what was
taken from them by the evil one. Now the
universe has seen the character of God vin-
dicated in the sacrifice of Christ and in the
fidelity of God's people. To that people
He now is able to bestow the unimaginable
rewards He has in store for them.
To Redeem the Earth and
His People
1. In what lofty language does the
prophet describe the restoration of
the lost dominion? Micah 4:6-8.
NOTE.
-"Satan,
by means of his success
in turning man aside from the path of
obedience, became 'the god of this world.'
2 Corinthians 4:4. The dominion that once
was Adam's passed to the usurper. But
the Son of God proposed to come to this
earth to pay the penalty of sin, and thus
not only redeem man, but recover the do-
minion forfeited. It Is of this restoration
that Micah prophesied when he said, '0
Tower of the flock, the stronghold of the
daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come,
even the first dominion.' Micah 4:8. The
apostle Paul has referred to it as 'the re-
demption of the purchased possession.'
Ephesians 1:14. And the psalmist had in
mind the same final restoration of man's
original inheritance when he declared, 'The
righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell
therein forever.' Psalm
37:29."-Prophets
and Kings,
page 682.
[ 40 ]
2.
How will Christ be glorified in
that day? 2 Thess. 1:10.
NoTE.—"Glorified in His saints.
That is,
to be glorified in the persons of His saints.
The supreme vindication of Christ's ways
will take place when the whole family of
His saints is gathered together. Then the
universe will see the value of His sacrifice
and the success of the course He pursued.
Thus the Saviour will be glorified (cf. Gal.
1:24; 1 Thess. 2:20; 2 Thess. 1:4). As
the artist is glorified in his masterpiece, so
Christ is glorified before the heavenly
throng by His handiwork—the miracles of
His grace. . . . Throughout eternity glory
will redound to the Saviour as His saints
make known more fully the wisdom of God
in His wondrous plan of salvation, which
has been 'realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
(Eph. 3:10, 11, R.S.V.)."—The
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 2 Thess.
1:10.
3.
As Christ returns to earth, what
marvelous event occurs? 1 Thess. 4:16,
last part.
4.
What description is given of
this blessed occasion? 1 Cor. 15:51-57.
To Bestow Upon His Children
the New Life
5.
At His second advent what is the
first gift Christ bestows upon the re-
deemed? 1 Cor. 15:53; Rom. 6:22.
6.
What privilege will be restored
to the redeemed? Rev. 2:7. Compare
Gen. 3:22.
7.
How fully will we understand
the wonderful provisions God has
made for us? 1 Cor. 13:12.
The supreme vindication of Christ's love, His life,
and His death for man, is seen in the redeemed saints....
NoTE.—"The resurrection of Jesus was a
type of the final resurrection of all who
sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen
Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all
familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose
from the dead, so those who sleep in Him
are to rise again. We shall know our
friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus.
They may have been deformed, diseased,
or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they
rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet
in the glorified body their identity will be
perfectly preserved. Then shall we know
even as also we are known. 1 Cor. 13:12.
In the face radiant with the light shining
from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize
the lineaments of those we love."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 804.
8.
What promise to the meek will
eventually be fulfilled to His follow-
ers? Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5.
NOTE.—" 'Blessed are the meek.' The
difficulties we have to encounter may be
very much lessened by that meekness which
hides itself in Christ. If we possess the
humility of our Master, we shall rise above
the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to
which we are daily exposed, and they will
cease to cast a glooth over the spirit. The
highest evidence of nobility in a Christian
is self-control. He who under abuse or
cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trust-
ful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in
41
3.
him His own perfection of character. Low-
liness of heart is the strength that gives
victory to the followers of Christ; it is
the token of their connection with the
courts above.
" 'Though the Lord be high, yet bath He
respect unto the lowly.' Ps. 138:6. Those
who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of
Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They
may be looked upon with scorn by the
world, but they are of great value in His
sight. Not only the wise, the great, the
beneficent, will gain a passport to the
heavenly courts; not only the busy worker,
full of zeal and restless activity. No; the
poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an
abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose
highest ambition is to do God's will,—
these will gain an abundant entrance. They
will be among that number who have
washed their robes and made them white
in the blood of the Lamb. 'Therefore are
they before the throne of God, and serve
Him day and night in His temple: and He
that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among
them.' Rev.
7:15."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 301, 302.
9.
From what universal ills will all
the redeemed be delivered at the re-
turn of Jesus? Rev. 21:4.
To Lead the Saved Into the
Fullness of Joy and Glory
10.
What blessed fellowship will
the redeemed enjoy? Rev. 22:4. Com-
pare Ps. 16:11.
NOTE.-" 'To him that overcometh,'
Christ said, 'will I grant to sit with Me in
My throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with My Father in His throne.'
`Him that overcometh will I make a pillar
in the temple of My God, and he shall go
no more out: and I will write upon him
the name of My God, . . . and I -will write
upon him My new name.' Rev. 3:21, 12.
So Paul the apostle wrote, 'I am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my de-
parture is at hand. I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me
at that day.' 2 Tim. 4:6-8. . . .
"The principle on which Christ acted is
to actuate the members of the church which
is His body."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 549,
550.
11.
What purchase price should we
ever keep in mind as having secured
these blessings for us? John 3:16.
12.
What special association will be
granted to those who have been greatly
persecuted for Christ's sake? Rev.
7:15.
13.
How does Christ show His ten-
der regard for these redeemed saints?
Rev. 7:16, 17.
Lesson 13, for March 26, 1960
The Finished Plan
MEMORY VERSE:
"And My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in
sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isa. 32:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 758-764; "The Great Controversy,"
chapter 42; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson scrip-
tures; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of March 10.
[42
]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
Check Here
Wednesday: Read further from
general survey.
Study Helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Thursday: Finish reading from Study
Monday: Questions 6-10.
Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 11-13; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading from Study Helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The End of Iniquity
1.
The author of sin defeated. John
19:30; Matt. 27:50, 51.
2.
A strange work performed. Rev.
20:9, 10.
3.
The oldest prophecy fulfilled. Gen.
3:15.
4.
The originator of iniquity obliter-
ated. Heb. 2:14.
5.
God's justice confessed by all. Rom.
14:11; Rev. 5:13.
II. The Triumph of God's Love
6. The glorified saints are coregents
with Christ. Rev. 20:6.
7.
They inherit the earth. Matt. 5:5.
8.
They shall suffer no more. Rev.
21:4.
9.
They enjoy a new creation. Isa.
11:6-9; 35:1.
10.
They perfectly please God. Isa.
53:11; 65:19.
III. Promise and Invitation
11.
The promise to commandment
keepers. Rev. 22:14.
12.
The invitation to all. Rev. 22:17.
13.
The blessed hope soon to be real-
ized. Rev. 22:20.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"It is finished," cried the Son of God
on the cross. This was a cry of triumph
directed to His Father in heaven, as Jesus
in His last conscious moment again had
the sense of His Father's presence and the
assurance of His approval. Satan's defeat
was accomplished in that moment. Now the
time is imminent when Satan, with all who
have refused Christ, will
be
destroyed. The
terrible suffering, the supreme sacrifice of
Christ on the cross, would all have been in
vain if the plan of redemption had not
also included the return of Jesus as King
of kings to make an utter end of sin and
to take possession of His kingdom. The
cross made mandatory the second coming.
Then all the righteous will have only the
wounds of Christ to remind them that sin
ever existed. With adoration and thanks-
giving for the redemption He purchased
for them, they will worship Him through-
out eternity.
The End of Iniquity
1. With what crowning event was
the plan of salvation made sure? John
19:30; Matt.
27:50, 51.
NOTE.—"All is terror and confusion. The
priest is about to slay the victim; but the
knife drops from his nerveless hand, and
the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype
in the death of God's Son. The great sacri-
fice has been made. The way into the
holiest is laid open. A new and living way
is prepared for all. No longer need sinful,
sorrowing humanity await the coming of
the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour
was to officiate as priest and advocate in
the heaven of heavens. It was as if a liv-
ing voice had spoken to the worshipers:
There is now an end to all sacrifices and
offerings for sin. The Son of God is come
according to His word, To, I come (in
[ 43 ]
the volume of the Book it is written of Me,)
to do Thy will, 0 God.' By His own blood'
He entereth 'in once into the holy place,
having obtained eternal redemption for us.'
Heb. 10:7;
9:12."—The Desire of Ages,
page 757.
2.
What strange work must God
perform before the universe is restored
to peace? Rev. 20:9, 10. Compare Isa.
28:21.
NoTE.—"God's judgments will be visited
upon those who are seeking to oppress and
destroy His people. His long forbearance
with the wicked emboldens men in trans-
gression, but their punishment is none the
less certain and terrible because it is long
delayed. 'The Lord shall rise up as in
Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in
the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His
work, His strange work; and bring to
pass His act, His strange act.' Isa. 28:21.
To our merciful God the act of punish-
ment is a strange act. 'As I live, saith the
Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked.' Ezek. 33:11. The Lord is
`merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and
abundant 'in goodness and truth, . . .
forgiving iniquity and transgression and
sin.' Yet He will `by no means clear the
guilty.' The Lord is slow to anger, and
great in power, and will not at all acquit
the wicked.' Ex. 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By
terrible things in righteousness He will
vindicate the authority of His downtrodden
law. The severity of the retribution await-
ing the transgressor may be judged by the
Lord's reluctance to execute justice. The
nation with which He bears long, and
which He will not smite until it has filled
up the measure of its iniquity in God's ac-
count, will finally drink the cup of wrath
unmixed with mercy."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 627.
3.
Of what early prophecy is this
event the fulfillment? Gen. 3:15.
4.
What further sentence is carried
out at this time? Heb. 2:14.
NOTE.—"The whole universe will have
become witnesses to the nature and results
of sin. And its utter extermination, which
in the beginning would have brough
t fear
to angels and dishonor to God, will now
vindicate His love and establish His honor
before the universe of beings who delight
to do His will, and in whose heart is His
law. Never will evil again be manifest.
Says the word of God: 'Affliction shall not
rise up the second time.' Nahum 1:9. The
law of God, which Satan has reproached
as the yoke of bondage, will be honored
as the law of liberty. A tested and proved
creation will never again be turned from
allegiance to Him whose character has been
fully manifested before them as fathomless
love and infinite wisdom."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 504.
5.
What will the presence of Jesus
as King of kings force even the wicked
to do? Rom. 14:11; Rev. 5:13.
NoTE.—"Satan sees that his voluntary re-
bellion has unfitted him for heaven. He
has trained his powers to war against God;
the purity, peace, and harmony of heaven
would be to him supreme torture. His
accusations against the mercy and justice
of God are now silenced. The reproach
which he has endeavored to cast upon Je-
hovah rests wholly upon himself. And now
Satan bows down and confesses the justice
of his sentence,.
"'Who shall not fear Thee, 0 Lord, and
glorify Thy name? for Thou only art
holy: for all nations shall come and wor-
ship before Thee; for Thy judgments are
made manifest.' Rev. 15:4. Every ques-
tion of truth and error in the long-standing
controversy has now been made plain. The
results of rebellion, the fruits of setting
aside the divine statutes, have been laid
open to the view of all created intelli-
gences. The working out of Satan's rule in
contrast with the government of God has
been presented to the whole universe. Sa-
tan's own works have condemned him.
God's wisdom, His justice, and His good-
ness stand fully vindicated. It is seen
that all His dealings in the great 'contro-
versy .have been conducted with respect to
the eternal good of His people and the good
of all the worlds that He has created. "All
Thy works shall praise Thee, 0 Lord; and
Thy saints shall bless Thee.' Ps. 145:10.
The history of sin will stand to all eternity
f
44]
. is
The laboratory oF the universe will Forever continue to •
reveal its vast treasures to the searcher after truth.
as a witness that with the existence of
God's law is bound up the happiness of
all the beings He has created. With all
the facts of the great controversy in view,
the whole universe, both loyal and re-
bellious, with one accord declare: 'Just and
true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.' "
—The Great Controversy,
page 670.
The Triumph of God's Love
6. While this earth lies waste and
desolate during the millennium, where
will the righteous dwell? Rev. 20:6.
NOTE.—"In consequence of Adam's sin,
death passed upon the whole human race.
All alike go down into the grave. And
through the provisions of the plan of sal-
vation, all are to be brought forth from
their graves. 'There shall be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and unjust;'
`for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive.' Acts 24:15; 1 Cor.
15:22. But a distinction is made between
the two classes that are brought forth. 'All
that are in the graves shall hear His voice,
and shall come forth ; they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they
that have done evil, unto the resurrection
of damnation.' John
5:28,
29. They who
have been 'accounted worthy' of the resur-
rection of life are 'blessed and holy' `On
such the second death hath no power.'
Rev. 20:6. But those who have not,
through repentance and faith, secured par-
don, must receive the penalty of trans-
gression—`the wages of sin.' They suffer
punishment varying in duration and in-
tensity, 'according to their works,' but
finally ending in the second death. Since
it is impossible for God, consistently with
His justice and mercy, to save the sinner
in his sins, He deprives him of the exist-
ence which his transgressions have for-
feited and of which be has proved himself
unworthy. Says an inspired writer: 'Yet
a little while, and the wicked shall not be:
yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place,
and it shall not be.' And another declares:
`They shall be as though they had not
been.' Ps. 37:10; Obad. 16. Covered with
infamy, they sink into hopeless, eternal
oblivion."—The
Great Controversy,
pages
544, 545.
7.
For whom will the earth be re-
created? Matt. 5:5.
8.
What assurance is given to God's
faithful followers? Rev. 21:4.
9.
How will even the plants and
animals testify that sin has ended on
the earth? Isa. 11:6-9; 35:1.
NOTE.—"In the Bible the inheritance of
the saved is called 'a country.' Heb. 11:14-
16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His
flock to fountains of living waters. The
tree of life yields its fruit every month,
and the leaves of the tree are for the service
of the nations. There are ever-flowing
streams, clear as crystal, and beside them
waving trees cast their shadows upon the
paths prepared for the ransomed of the
Lord. There the wide-spreading plains
swell into hills of beauty, and the moun-
tains of God rear their lofty summits. On
those peaceful plains, beside those living
streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and
wanderers, shall find a home.
"My people shall dwell in a peaceable
habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in
quiet resting places.' Violence shall no
more be heard in thy land, wasting nor
destruction within thy borders; but thou
shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy
45
. gates Praise.' They shall build houses,
and inhabit them; and they shall plant
vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They
shall not build, and another inhabit; they
shall not plant, and another eat: . .
Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of
their hands.' Isa. 32:18; 60:18; 65:21, 22."
—The Great Controversy,
page 675.
10.
As the great controversy is fin-
ished, how will God and His Son
Jesus Christ view the results of sal-
vation's plan? Isa. 53:11; 65:19.
NoTE.—"I address the people of God who
today are holding fast their confidence,
who will not depart from the faith once
delivered unto the saints, who stand amid
the moral darkness of these days of cor-
ruption. The word of the Lord to you is:
`I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in
My people.' Can we not here see the pa-
ternal love of God expressed to those who
hold fast to the faith in righteousness?
The closest relationship exists between God
and His people. Not only are we objects
of His sparing mercy, His pardoning love;
we are more than this. The Lord rejoices
over His people. He delights in them. He
is their surety. He will beautify all who
are serving Him with a whole heart with
the spirit of holiness. He clothes them with
righteousness. He loves those who do His
will, who express His image. All who are
true and faithful are conformed to the
image of His Son. In their mouth is found
no guile, for they are without fault before
the throne of
God."—Testimonies to Minis-
ters,
pages 414, 415.
Promise and Invitation
11.
Who will have the privilege of
entering through the gates and a right
to the tree of life? Rev. 22:14.
NoTE.—"He who is the fountain of all
knowledge has stated the condition of our
fitness to enter the heaven of bliss, in the
words, 'Blessed are they that do His com-
mandments, that they may have right to the
tree of life, and may enter in through the
gates into the city.' Obedience to God's
commandments is the price of heaven."—
Ellen G. White,
Child Guidance,
page 224.
12.
In view of all that we have
studied about the "blessed hope," what
gracious invitation is to be extended?
Rev. 22:17.
NoTE.—"Not upon the ordained minister
only rests the responsibility of going forth
to fulfill this commission. Everyone who
has received Christ is called to work for
the salvation of his fellow men. 'The
Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let
him that heareth say, Come.' Rev. 22:17.
The charge to give this invitation includes
the entire church. Everyone who has heard
the invitation is to echo the message from
hill and valley, saying, `Come"
'—The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 110.
13.
Just before the final benedic-
tion of the Bible, in what words does
our Saviour reaffirm the surety and
imminence of His second coming?
Rev. 22:20.
NOTE.—The coming of our Lord in glory
has been the blessed hope of the church in
all ages.
" 'The thoughts of the coming of the
Lord,' said Baxter, 'are most sweet and
joyful to me.'—Richard Baxter,
Works,
vol.
17, p. 555. 'It is the work of faith and
the character of His saints to love His ap-
pearing and to look for that blessed hope.'
`If death be the last enemy to be destroyed
at the resurrection, we may learn how
earnestly believers should long and pray
for the second coming of Christ, when this
full and final conquest shall be made.'
—Ibid., vol.
17, p. 500. 'This is the day
that all believers should long, and hope, and
wait for, as being the accomplishment of all
the work of their redemption, and all the
desires and endeavors of their souls.'
`Hasten, 0 Lord, this blessed
day!'—Ibid.,
vol.
17, pp. 182, 183. Such was the hope
of the apostolic church, of the 'church in
the wilderness,' and of the Reformers."—
The Great Controversy,
pages 303, 304.
As members of the remnant church may
we ever keep this hope burning brightly
within our hearts.
146 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 26, 1960
This quarter the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow is destined for the
Northern European Division. Three projects are to share in this offering.
Great are the opportunities with the printed page in Finland, but the work is
crippled for the lack of a press. A publishing house is urgently needed for
this part of the world field where our believers have been so zealous in their
work for the Lord. A second project is the providing of an evangelistic train-
ing center where workers may be trained to lead out in the work of soul win-
ning in West Africa. The third project is the establishing of an industrial
unit for our Ethiopian Training School where students may help earn their
way through school. All of these projects present a challenge to us in mission
advancement.
LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1960
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the
second quarter of 1960 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson.
The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Lessons for Today From the Times of Ezra and
Nehemiah." The title of the first lesson is "The Divine Purpose in the Captivity." The Mem-
ory Verse is Romans 15:4. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Rom. 15:4.
Ques. 2. Ex. 19:5, 6.
Ques. 3. 2 Kings 17:7-12, 14-19;
Isa. 1:1-4.
Ques. 4. Hosea 11:8; Ezek. 33:11.
Ques. 5. Jer. 29:11-13.
Ques. 6. Jer. 30:11.
Ques. 7. Jer. 31:18, 19.
Ques. 8. Ezek. 22:15.
Ques. 9. Ezek. 33:33; Deut. 18:21, 22.
Ques. 10. Ezek. 36:24-31.
Ques. 11. Jer. 12:14-17.
Ques. 12. Dan. 2:47; 3:28, 29; 6:25-27.
Ques. 13. Ezek. 36:19, 20.
Ques. 14. James 2:7.
NORTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION
Population
Churches
Ch. Mem.
S.S. Mem.
British U. C.
53,116,816
110
8,724
7,711
Ethiopian U. M.
15,000,000
13
2,700
3,957
Finland U. C.
4,000,000
46
4,956
4,909
Netherlands U. C.
10,500,000
42
2,610
2,698
Polish U. C.
30,000,000
64
3,302
3,851
Swedish U. C.
7,500,000
71
3,827
3,642
West African U. M.
47,300,000
171
20,736
57,679
West Nordic U. C.
7,584,426
140
8,835
7,921
Detached Fields
Greenland M.
37,368
1
5 5
Iceland C.
160,000
8
372
542
TOTALS
175,198,610
666
56,067
92,915
[ 47 ]
Evangelistic Training Center
West Africa
Industrial Building, Ethiopian
Training School .r
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
Northern European Division Projects
Three outstanding needs in the Northern European Division will
receive the benefits of the Thirteenth Sabbath offering overflow.
They are:
1.
The publishing house in Finland. 2. The evangelistic
training center in West Africa. 3. The erection
of a new industrial
building at the Ethiopian Training School.